Senate advances federal rules for college sports amid shifting landscape

The Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan NCAA-backed bill to set a national standard for college-athlete eligibility, transfer rules, and compensation, and to grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption. A final Senate vote is unclear and the measure would still need House approval; supporters argue it offers nationwide guidelines as state rulings reshape college sports, while critics warn it could shield schools from accountability and enable collusion that benefits coaches and administrators.