U.S. Senate Passes PCSA…

September 29, 2026 -

Washington, DC - The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly voted 77-22 to pass the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA) on Monday.

The act now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration and vote. The act is expected to go to vote in November. House representatives are not scheduled to vote on any bills until after November's midterm elections. If the bill does not get through the House during this legislative session before a new Congress takes over in January, the full process would have to start from the beginning.

There are still issues with the bill and the House is expected to be tougher for the bill to get passed. Before the Senate vote, a number of amendments changed controversial parts of the bill.

The cap on college conference size was changed fro 19 to 20 schools. Those opposed said it would unlawfully restriction freedom of trade.

The “independence penalty” for schools wishing to change conferences within the Power Four was originally set at six years. This provision required schools that wished to change conferences within the Power Four to operate six years as an independent. This provision created a firestorm of opposition across the country. It clearly would put most universities at financial risk, thus designed to block any conference expansion. The provision was revised to three years of independence. Still not good, but it was a concession. This battle is not over and is expected to defeat the bill if it remains for a vote.

The bill also provides the NCAA with an antitrust exemption designed to help the association enforce a spending cap on how much schools can budget for the Transfer Portal player compensation. Again, this is viewed as discrimination violation of a person’s right to better themselves. The NAACP is leading the opposition here.

If the bill becomes law, athletes will also be limited to transferring one time without penalty during their college career. It would reinforce new NCAA rules that limit athletes to a five-year window to compete in college that begins either when they finish high school or turn 19 years old.

"If the bill supporters believe these rules are necessary for athletes, they should be willing to apply them to coaches, as well," Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.. said. "This bill sells out college athletes.”

This bill is not guaranteed to be passed by Congress. The SEC and Big Ten conferences have lobbied for passage. The conferences want to maintain control of college athletics and the money that comes with it. If this bill passes, it could cause a major revolt within the NCAA, including a break up of the association.

More to come.

GO CANES!