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The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 is designed to provide comprehensive protections for student athletes participating in intercollegiate sports. It primarily focuses on safeguarding athletes’ rights to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) without risking their eligibility or scholarships. The bill requires institutions to disclose NIL agreements over $600 and maintain a public database for transparency. It also regulates athlete agents by setting registration and conduct standards to prevent exploitation. To support athletes, the Act creates an independent Office of the Student Athlete Ombudsman to offer advice and assistance.

Beyond NIL rights, the bill protects academic freedom by preventing undue pressure on athletes’ course choices and limits scholarship revocations to specific cases like misconduct or transfers. It mandates comprehensive medical coverage during and after athletic participation, including catastrophic injury insurance, and establishes health and safety standards with independent oversight to reduce injuries and abuse. The Act also ensures student athlete representation on governing boards and clarifies transfer rules to allow at least one penalty-free transfer.

The legislation addresses broader college sports governance by limiting excessive coach compensation at large programs, restricting certain conference mergers to maintain competitive balance, and protecting women’s and Olympic sports by requiring maintained funding and roster spots. It amends broadcasting laws to promote fair media rights agreements that include athlete representation and preserve local game access. Enforcement mechanisms include private rights of action and whistleblower protections. Overall, the bill aims to balance athlete welfare, fair competition, and institutional interests in college sports.