Trump 'Thrilled' as Protect College Sports Act Clears Key Senate Hurdle
Former President Donald Trump expressed enthusiasm as the bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming college sports passed a critical procedural vote in the Senate.
President Donald Trump was closely monitoring the Protect College Sports Act as it cleared its first major Senate hurdle, according to one of the bill’s Republican co-sponsors.
Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri stated he called Trump on Tuesday night upon realizing supporters had secured enough votes to advance the legislation. "He was thrilled," Schmitt told Front Office Sports. "He’s not some phony politician with the ‘sports ball’ stuff. … This is important to him."
The comments suggest the administration views the passage of the college sports overhaul as a priority.
The bipartisan legislation, introduced in May by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Maria Cantwell of Washington, advanced through a 74-24 vote to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed, surpassing the 60-vote threshold required to clear that procedural step.
The bill aims to establish a federal right for college athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). It also seeks to adopt the revenue-sharing cap previously negotiated in the House settlement and create an additional player-retention fund. Furthermore, the legislation would implement five-year eligibility limits, restrict unrestricted transfers, and provide protections related to scholarships, medical care, and athlete safety.
Previously, Trump and White House officials were involved in negotiations that contributed to securing support from the SEC and Big Ten conferences, which had initially expressed concerns regarding compensation and realignment provisions.
The measure faces organized opposition from groups including the NAACP, labor organizations, and some athlete advocates. These groups argue that athletes had insufficient representation during the negotiations and should be granted collective-bargaining rights.
Tuesday's vote did not enact the legislation into law. The bill must undergo further votes in the Senate and subsequently pass the House of Representatives before it can reach the president's desk.
Schmitt's account, however, highlighted the former president's clear position as Congress deliberates on a national framework for NIL, player transfers, and athlete protections.
