The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Thursday advanced a bipartisan measure to regulate college sports, sending it to the Senate floor.

The panel moved the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA) forward in a 19-9 vote. Twelve Republicans and seven Democrats backed it, while seven Democrats and two Republicans — Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) — voted against it.

The bill proposes granting the NCAA limited antitrust protection and issues standards on the transfer portal, student athlete compensation and medical coverage. It also proposes requiring broadcasters to provide at least one free option for football and basketball games involving local teams.

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), the chair and ranking member of the panel, respectively, negotiated the bill with Sens. Chris Coons (R-Del.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).

At the start of Thursday’s markup hearing, Cruz said the PCSA would “preserve and strengthen our uniquely American system” of college athletics.

More here

Tagged: Capitol Hill BACK TO HOMEPAGE