Conservatives are engaging in internal conflict over the Protect College Sports Act, a legislative effort that some are mischaracterizing as a threat to Title IX and women's sports, according to Bruce Pearl, former head men's basketball coach at Auburn University.
Pearl, who is also a senior advisor to America First Works, an organization supporting the act, contends that critics are making careless claims that are complicating the bill's purpose. He argues that the legislation is designed to protect college athletics, particularly women's teams, and preserve fairness.
"Conservatives now face a similar choice: We can chase applause by attacking allies and mischaracterizing the bill, or we can unite around the facts and win the larger fight for women, fairness and the future of college sports," Pearl stated.
Contrary to some criticisms, Pearl asserts that the Protect College Sports Act does not "gut" Title IX or invalidate state laws that reserve women's teams for biological females. He points to Section 127 of the bill, which explicitly states that nothing within the legislation will "override, modify, or amend" Title IX. This, he explained, means female athletes would retain their existing legal protections and the ability to file sex-discrimination claims. Section 120 further ensures that athletes and employees are protected from retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in Title IX proceedings.
Pearl also addressed concerns that the bill would preempt state laws prohibiting men from competing in women's sports. He clarified that the legislation establishes national standards for Division I and Division II competition related to specific eligibility questions, such as academics, professional status, legal violations, age, and years of eligibility. The bill, he emphasized, does not create a federal right for men to compete in women's competitions nor does it override state laws that establish sex-based athletic categories.
In addition to preserving existing protections, the bill includes provisions designed to incentivize investment in women's and Olympic sports. It creates a $22.5 million athlete-retention fund and allows schools to access up to an additional $5 million through eligible Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) investments in these less-resourced programs. A school aiming for the full $27.5 million retention allowance would need to invest $5 million in women's, Olympic, and non-revenue sports first.
Pearl highlighted the increasing financial pressures on college athletics, noting that by 2027, some teams could have budgets approaching $30 million, a significant jump from the approximately $4 million NIL budget his 2025 Final Four team operated with. He expressed concern that without legislative guardrails, programs with fewer resources, often women's and Olympic sports, are increasingly vulnerable.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by recent program cuts. Between May 2024 and July 2025, more than 40 Division I Olympic-sports programs were eliminated, according to WRAL. Even institutions with substantial resources, like the University of Arkansas, have seen programs threatened before donor intervention saved them, illustrating the precarious state of non-revenue sports nationwide.
Pearl credited Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), among others, for advancing the legislation. He also noted President Trump's support for the bill and his administration's actions to restore the biological definition of sex in federal policy.
"Outrage is easy; turning shared principles into law is harder. Infighting only helps the left, which has spent years undermining Title IX while conservatives battle over legislation that expressly preserves it," Pearl stated. "If we can’t unite and get this done, we will lose college sports as we know them, and women’s and Olympic sports will continue to be among the first casualties."
He urged those who advocate for the America First movement to support the bill, emphasizing the opportunity for Congress to stabilize college sports, support educational opportunities, and protect the intercollegiate athletics system. Pearl concluded that while scoring political points might feel good, securing lasting victories for women and college athletes by passing the Protect College Sports Act is paramount.