01 — The Text
What.
- Lets college athletes sign endorsement deals (name, image, likeness) without school interference; athletes must report deals over $600.
- Caps sports agent fees at 5% and requires agents to register with states.
- Allows one free transfer without losing eligibility; prevents coaches from switching jobs mid-season.
- Lets conferences bundle TV rights and sell them together, with antitrust protection if 75% of major programs agree.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Athletes gain: direct endorsement money and transfer freedom. Schools lose: control over athlete compensation and exclusive recruiting leverage.
- Agents face tighter regulation and lower fees, potentially reducing their incentive to recruit aggressively.
- Conference TV deals become easier to negotiate, potentially increasing broadcasting revenue but reducing individual school negotiating power.
- Locks in athlete revenue-sharing limits with annual inflation adjustments, creating predictability for schools but capping athlete earnings growth.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill passed Senate committee in June 2026 with amendments; Senate began debate in August and needs 60 votes to advance.
- Must pass Senate, then House, then presidential signature to become law.
- Track progress and contact your senators at Senate.gov if this affects your family or school.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Aug 5, 2026 — Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S4449)
- Aug 5, 2026 — Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S4449)
- Jun 24, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 449.
- Jun 24, 2026 — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Jun 24, 2026 — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Jun 18, 2026 — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Jun 2, 2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Jun 2, 2026 — Introduced in Senate