US Senate to consider bill on NIL deals in college sports — CNBC Top News

In the United States, the Senate is set to vote on Monday on the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which is intended to establish nationwide rules for deals involving the use of athletes’ names, images and likenesses in college sports. As CNBC Top News reports, the document also enshrines the right of student-athletes to earn money through NIL deals.

Transfer and payment rules

The initiative is jointly advanced by Republican Senator from Texas Ted Cruz and Democratic Senator from Washington Maria Cantwell, the leading representatives of their parties on the Senate Commerce Committee.

The bill would allow an athlete to transfer once to another educational institution without penalties. It also proposes limiting eligibility to compete to five years and increasing the revenue-sharing fund from which educational institutions can directly pay athletes. Up to $5 million of these funds may be directed to women’s and Olympic sports, which typically generate less revenue for educational institutions than men’s football and basketball.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Antitrust exemption and objections

A separate provision would grant the NCAA, conferences and educational institutions an antitrust exemption to ensure compliance with certain rules. This provision is criticized by opponents of the initiative. Democratic Senator from Connecticut Chris Murphy said the bill would give the NCAA and conferences excessive powers to the detriment of players.

The Congressional Black Caucus and the NAACP also oppose the initiative. Previously, a similar bill, the SCORE Act, was withdrawn due to objections from the caucus.

According to CNBC, the Senate is expected to approve the Protect College Sports Act. At the same time, the document’s further fate in the House of Representatives remains uncertain: it will not return to work until after the 2026 midterm elections.