A bipartisan Senate bill authored by Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Maria Cantwell is expected to be introduced soon to reform college sports and provide antitrust protections for the NCAA [1, 2]. The measure is supported by the White House and a presidential committee on college sports chaired by New York Yankees president Randy Levine and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis [1].
The bill aims to codify NCAA rules into law and shield the NCAA from antitrust challenges, which have increased amid changing regulations on athlete compensation and eligibility [1]. It is viewed as the strongest chance for college sports reform legislation to pass Congress in years [1, 2].
Meanwhile, the SCORE Act, another related bill addressing college sports, is moving toward a House floor vote but is not expected to clear the Senate [1, 2].
Language for the bipartisan Senate bill is expected to be unveiled early next week, followed by committee hearings soon after [1, 2]. The bill's development builds on a presidential commission formed in March 2026, tasked by President Trump to explore college athletics reform [1].
President Trump signed an executive order focusing on transfer portal regulations, athlete eligibility, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) structures, but legal challenges have been anticipated [2]. The upcoming bipartisan bill could provide a more durable legal framework.
The Senate bill announcement was expected as of May 29, 2026 [1, 2]. The SCORE Act is slated to appear on the House floor next week. These legislative steps continue efforts to address ongoing issues in college sports governance.
