College Sports Reform Bill in Jeopardy as Big Ten, SEC Push Back on Federal Rules

A bipartisan bill to overhaul college athletics is teetering on the brink of failure as the Senate races toward its August recess, with the nation's two most powerful conferences refusing to get on board.

Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Maria Cantwell of Washington have been working around the clock to salvage the Protect College Sports Act. The legislation cleared a key committee vote last month, but the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference have dug in on a list of demands that remain unmet.

What the Bill Would Do

The Protect College Sports Act would create new federal rules for college athletics, including how conferences negotiate media rights and how schools compensate student athletes. Supporters say the bill is needed to bring order to a rapidly changing landscape where state laws and court rulings have created a patchwork of regulations.

The latest version of the bill includes an expanded funding pool for retaining student athletes, moving from $20 million to $22.5 million. But the SEC and Big Ten say that is not enough. They want a postseason carve-out to the media pooling provision and broader antitrust protections.

Where the Standoff Stands

The conferences blew past a Wednesday morning deadline to respond to an updated version of the bill, saying the text was incomplete. The committee then released another version around 1 a.m. Thursday with a 10 a.m. deadline, which also passed without a deal.

Senate aides say they have offered major concessions and negotiated in good faith. But lobbyists directly engaged on the bill say weeks of talks have failed to deliver the changes the conferences say are critical.

Cruz said Wednesday he still expects a floor vote next week. Majority Leader John Thune did not rule out movement. But people close to the process say a deal would need to come together Thursday for Thune to schedule action before the Senate leaves for August recess.

What This Means for Iowa

The University of Iowa is a member of the Big Ten Conference, which has been one of the most vocal opponents of the bill. Iowa State University competes in the Big 12 Conference, which has also raised concerns.

For Iowa fans and university officials, the outcome of this debate could affect everything from how Hawkeye and Cyclone games are broadcast to how student athletes are compensated. The Big Ten's university presidents met Thursday afternoon to discuss next steps.

Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, a former Auburn football coach, has been outspoken against the bill. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama said she hopes a path forward can be found.

What Happens Next

It is unlikely Cruz and Cantwell can find the 60 votes needed to pass the bill without the Big Ten and SEC on board. Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado said Thursday he believes the conferences will eventually come around.

I think it is a lot closer than what people think, Hickenlooper said. There has been an awful lot of movement in the most important aspects.

A Senate Commerce aide was less optimistic. At this point, with every passing minute, odds are slimmer that we can move the bill before the August recess, the aide said. We have been working night and day to make the revisions they said they needed, and we need an answer.

If the bill fails to advance this month, it could be taken up again in the fall. But with the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the window for action is narrowing.