What does Preamble of Student Athlete Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to establish rules regarding the eligibility of student athletes for intercollegiate athletics. The bill's purpose is also stated as being 'for other purposes'.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Student Athlete Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Student Athlete Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Student Athlete Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Athletic department” is defined as a department at a higher education institution that sponsors varsity intercollegiate athletics programs. “Conference” refers to an organization with member institutions that arranges athletic events and sets competition rules. “Grant-in-aid” includes tuition, room, board, books, fees, personal expenses, federal and state grants, health insurance, disability insurance, and career services. “Institution of higher education” is defined by reference to section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. “National Collegiate Athletic Association” refers to the NCAA or a successor organization. “Student athlete” is defined as an individual eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. “Transfer portal” is a process managed by the NCAA to facilitate student athlete transfers. “Varsity intercollegiate athletics program” is a sport played at the intercollegiate level with established eligibility requirements. “Varsity intercollegiate sports competition” involves competitions between student athletes from different institutions.

What does LIMITATION OF STUDENT ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY. of Student Athlete Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a limitation on student athlete eligibility. A student athlete is granted 5 consecutive years of eligibility to play intercollegiate athletics. This eligibility applies regardless of injury or any other event. The rules set forth by the National Collegiate Athletic Association are superseded by this section.

What does TRANSFER PORTAL. of Student Athlete Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes rules regarding the transfer portal for student athletes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is responsible for setting forth these rules, including periods for formally notifying institutions of transfer intent. Generally, student athletes transferring to another institution are ineligible for athletic competition during the academic year in which they entered the transfer portal. An exception exists for the first transfer of a student athlete. This section supersedes any existing NCAA rules or regulations related to transfer eligibility. The NCAA is granted an antitrust exemption to establish rules related to the transfer portal under this section.

What does ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES. of Student Athlete Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes additional protections for student athletes regarding grant-in-aid commitments. Institutions of higher education are generally required to honor the original grant-in-aid commitment made to a student athlete. When a student athlete transfers to a new institution, the new institution is obligated to honor the grant-in-aid commitment. The former institution is not obligated to honor the grant-in-aid after a transfer. Institutions can revoke grant-in-aid if a student athlete does not maintain good standing according to institutional standards or code of conduct.

What does RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW. of Student Athlete Act of 2026 do?

This section addresses the relationship between this Act and state law. States and their political subdivisions are prohibited from adopting, maintaining, enforcing, or continuing laws that conflict with the provisions of this Act. States and political subdivisions are also prohibited from limiting or restricting the rights of student athletes, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, conferences, or institutions of higher education under this Act.

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Student Athlete Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/24/2026 · Introduced: 3/24/2026

Author: Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)

TL;DR (AI)

The Student Athlete Act of 2026 grants student athletes five consecutive years of eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics, regardless of injury or other circumstances.
This Act establishes rules for the transfer portal, requiring the NCAA to set forth guidelines and generally rendering student athletes ineligible for competition during the academic year they enter the portal, with an exception for the first transfer.
Institutions of higher education are generally required to honor original grant-in-aid commitments made to student athletes, including when a student athlete transfers to a new institution.

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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