What does Preamble of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To protect the name, image, and likeness rights of, and provide protections for, student athletes and to promote fair competition among intercollegiate athletics, and for other purposes,' aims to protect the name, image, and likeness rights of student athletes. The bill also seeks to promote fair competition among intercollegiate athletics. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 4, 2026, by Mr. Baumgartner.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the legislation. “Antitrust laws” are defined by reference to the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. “Associated entity” refers to individuals or entities coordinating with institutions to support athletics programs and student athletes, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. “Collective” is defined as an entity providing support to student athletes or athletics programs, excluding immediate family members and certain trademark licensors. “Compensation” includes payments to student athletes, excluding grants-in-aid, Pell Grants, and certain other benefits. “Revenue share cap” refers to a limit set in a specific settlement agreement. “Student athlete” is defined as an individual enrolled full-time and participating in intercollegiate athletics.

What does NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS PROTECTIONS. of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes protections for student-athletes regarding the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Institutions, conferences, and athletic associations are generally prohibited from restricting a student athlete's ability to market or earn compensation for their NIL rights or entering into NIL agreements. Eligibility for intercollegiate athletic competition cannot be restricted based on entering into or marketing NIL rights, unless required by law. Institutions may not revoke or reduce grant-in-aid based on NIL agreements, unless otherwise required by law. Institutions and third parties may not use a group of student-athletes' NIL without obtaining consent from each member. Student athletes are required to report NIL agreements and compensation exceeding $600 within 30 days. Institutions may not release information from these disclosures without express written consent. Institutions may restrict eligibility if an NIL agreement violates the institution's code of conduct or involves unauthorized use of institutional trademarks. Institutions, athletic associations, and conferences are permitted to pay or facilitate compensation to student-athletes for the use of their NIL. Student athletes' eligibility cannot be restricted based on having an athlete agent or legal representative.

What does MODIFICATIONS TO SPORTS AGENT RESPONSIBILITY AND TRUST ACT. of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section modifies the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act (15 U.S.C. 7801 et seq.). Amendments expand the definition of 'Sports Agent' to include name, image, and likeness agreements as defined in the Protect College Sports Act of 2026. The Act adds new prohibited actions for athlete agents, including misrepresenting name, image, or likeness opportunities and charging excessive fees. A private right of action is established, allowing student athletes to sue for violations of the Act and seek declaratory judgments and damages. Pre-dispute arbitration agreements and joint action waivers related to disputes under this Act are deemed invalid. Athlete agents representing student athletes in endorsement contracts must register with a State and enter into agency contracts. Endorsement contracts must meet specific requirements, including being in writing, stating student athlete rights, and detailing services and compensation. Contracts cannot extend beyond a student athlete's eligibility to participate in intercollegiate sports.

What does AGENT REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes registry requirements for intercollegiate athletic associations. Associations must maintain a publicly available website with a searchable database of athlete agents. Agents listed must be registered with a State and certified under section 9 of the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act. Agents must also certify compliance with the association's rules, including recruitment and tampering rules under section 117. Intercollegiate athletic associations may decertify or fine agents for violations of section 9 or section 117. Decertified agents are prohibited from representing or contacting student athletes or prospective student athletes of member institutions.

What does DISCLOSURES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates disclosures by institutions and intercollegiate athletic associations regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. Institutions must disclose anonymized data on NIL agreements to their athletic associations, including descriptions of services and compensation amounts. Institutions with intercollegiate sports programs must submit reports detailing revenues, expenditures, student athlete hours, and academic outcomes, disaggregated by sport and gender. Intercollegiate athletic associations are required to establish and maintain a publicly accessible database to estimate fair market value for NIL agreements. The database will include data reported by institutions and be updated annually. Institutions must ensure no personally identifiable information of student athletes is transmitted during disclosures. Associations must implement technical measures to prevent the database from being used to identify student athletes. This section applies only to institutions competing in Division 1 of the NCAA.

What does ACADEMIC PROTECTIONS. of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes academic protections for student-athletes. Athletic departments are prohibited from exerting undue pressure on student-athletes regarding course selection or majors, or retaliating against them for their choices. Institutions and athletic associations may limit countable athletic-related activities to ensure student-athletes make satisfactory progress toward degree completion. Institutions may not include marketing or solicitation offers in financial literacy and life skills programming for student-athletes. Generally, institutions cannot revoke, reduce, or condition grant-in-aid based on athletic ability, injury/illness, or roster management decisions. An exception to grant-in-aid protections exists if a student-athlete transfers or fails to maintain good standing academically or behaviorally. Institutions must provide timely written notice regarding potential grant-in-aid revocation or reduction. Former student-athletes who meet specific criteria may have the opportunity to resume study and receive grant-in-aid to complete their degree, specifically those who competed in Division I. These protections for former student-athletes apply only to institutions competing in Division I.

What does MEDICAL COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS. of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes medical coverage requirements for student athletes participating in intercollegiate sports. Division I institutions, or intercollegiate athletic associations/conferences comprised of Division I members, must cover out-of-pocket medical expenses, second opinions, catastrophic injuries exceeding $90,000, and end-of-college physical examinations related to athletic participation. For five years after a student athlete's last competition, institutions must cover out-of-pocket medical expenses for injuries or diseases incurred through participation. Intercollegiate athletic associations must establish a fund or program to assist member institutions with compliance and to cover post-eligibility medical expenses for significant long-term conditions, including CTE. The fund must be funded at a minimum of $60,000,000 annually and may utilize collective media rights revenue. Associations can provide additional medical coverage beyond what is required and can exceed the $60,000,000 fund amount.

What does HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND SAFETY STANDARDS. of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes health, wellness, and safety standards for student athletes. Institutions, conferences, and intercollegiate athletic associations must adhere to standards to protect student athletes from sports-related injuries, conditions, and death, including brain injury, heat-related illness, rhabdomyolysis, sickle cell trait, and asthma. Specific guidelines from organizations like the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American College of Sports Medicine are referenced for managing these conditions. Institutions must take reasonable actions to prevent, assess, and remediate abuse, hazing, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. Intercollegiate athletic associations and institutions are required to provide student athletes with information on how to contact the Office of the Student Athlete Ombudsman. Each institution must designate an athletic health and safety officer who is independent of the athletic department. Medical professionals have autonomous authority to determine medical management and return-to-play decisions for student athletes. Coaches and non-medical personnel are prohibited from influencing or disregarding medical professionals’ decisions regarding student athlete care. Intercollegiate athletic associations can establish additional health, wellness, and safety standards beyond those specified in this section.

What does OFFICE OF THE STUDENT ATHLETE OMBUDSMAN. of Protect College Sports Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes an 'Office of the Student Athlete Ombudsman' within intercollegiate athletic associations. The Office is tasked with providing independent advice to student athletes regarding their rights, responsibilities, and available resources. The Office will assist in resolving student athlete concerns related to athletic associations, conferences, or institutions. The Office must provide contact information for external resources and advise on the value of legal counsel. Interstate athletic associations are required to hire and provide compensation for an Ombudsman and support staff. The Office is mandated to maintain confidentiality of information shared by student athletes, with limited exceptions. Exceptions to confidentiality include compliance with federal reporting requirements, situations involving felonies or imminent harm, and with the consent of the parties involved. The Ombudsman and staff are protected from being compelled to testify or produce evidence related to their duties. Confidentiality extends to memoranda, work product, notes, and case files of the Office, preventing their use in legal proceedings. Retaliation against student athletes for disclosing information or seeking assistance from the Office is prohibited. Governing boards cannot prevent the Office from fulfilling its duties.

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Protect College Sports Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/4/2026 · Introduced: 6/4/2026

Author: Michael Baumgartner (R-WA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill protects student athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, prohibiting institutions from restricting their ability to earn compensation from NIL agreements.
Student athletes may transfer once without losing eligibility, with specific protections for additional transfers under certain circumstances.
Institutions must provide medical coverage for student athletes, including out-of-pocket expenses and long-term care for injuries sustained during participation.
A private right of action is established, allowing student athletes to sue for violations of the bill's provisions and seek damages.
Intercollegiate athletic associations are required to maintain a publicly accessible database of registered athlete agents and their compliance with regulations.
The bill mandates the establishment of an Office of the Student Athlete Ombudsman to provide independent support and advice to student athletes.
Athletic departments are prohibited from exerting undue pressure on student athletes regarding academic choices and cannot revoke financial aid based on athletic performance.