A sweeping bill that could reshape how college athletes are paid and move between schools is headed to the House after passing the U.S. Senate 77-22 Monday.
The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act would establish national rules governing NIL compensation, revenue sharing, transfers and eligibility while giving the NCAA and conferences limited antitrust protections. Athletes would retain the right to earn NIL money, while the legislation also provides scholarship, health care and agent-fee protections.
For Black athletes, the stakes are significant. Critics, including the NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus, argue that restrictions on compensation and transfers could disproportionately affect Black athletes, particularly those generating substantial revenue in football and basketball. Sens. Cory Booker, Raphael Warnock, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks were among the Black Democratic senators opposing the legislation.
Supporters say the bill would provide athletes with nationwide NIL rights and more predictable rules while protecting scholarships and less-profitable sports.
For HBCUs, the impact could cut both ways. The bill has support from some HBCUs and hundreds of colleges and universities, according to Senate sponsors. Its requirements to preserve sports, roster opportunities and scholarships could benefit smaller athletic programs. At the same time, tighter transfer and compensation rules could affect HBCU athletes seeking opportunities at larger, wealthier programs — or HBCUs competing to attract and retain talent in the NIL era.
The legislation would also supersede differing state NIL rules with a national framework. It has not become law. The House must still approve it before it can reach President Donald Trump, who supports the measure.