United StatesBill sets rules for athlete deals, medical care, and college grants
The Senate-passed bill sets rules for athlete endorsement deals and medical care, and would let eligible colleges compete for technology and sports media grants if Congress funds them.
What it does
Athletes could earn money from their name, image, or likeness without losing eligibility or aid for that reason alone. Division I athletes generally would report deals worth more than $600, with privacy protections.
Covered schools and sports groups would pay certain medical costs for sports injuries, and some athletes would receive coverage for five years after their last college competition. They would also follow safety standards and keep coaches from overruling medical decisions.
Eligible colleges, including historically Black colleges and universities, could compete for grants to improve internet access, technology, student media training, and live sports coverage, if Congress provides the authorized funding.
Argument forAthletes could have stronger protections for earning from endorsements, getting care for sports injuries, and making sure medical staff control return-to-play decisions.
Argument againstThe payment limits could restrict what some colleges can pay athletes to stay, especially when a school does not meet the required graduation and academic progress benchmarks.
More detail
Schools and sports groups would have to allow athletes to earn money from their name, image, or likeness and follow related reporting rules. The rules cover student athletes and recruited prospective athletes, as well as schools, conferences, athletic associations, collectives, and other parties involved in these deals. Schools may restrict eligibility when a deal violates rules that apply to all students or uses school property or marks without permission. Reporting applies only to Division I athletes and generally covers deals or compensation worth more than $600. Schools may not share identifying information without written consent, except where the bill allows it.
Covered schools and sports groups would provide specified medical coverage and follow athlete health and safety rules. Coverage applies to Division I schools, certain Division II and III schools for athletes competing in Division I, and athletic associations or conferences made up of Division I members. Safety duties cover schools, conferences, and athletic associations. Five years of coverage after college applies to athletes enrolled during their last year of eligibility and covers qualifying injuries or diseases from college sports. Medical staff would have final authority over care and return-to-play decisions; coaches and other nonmedical staff could not override them. The safety standards must be followed within 270 days after enactment. The five-year coverage period begins the day after an athlete’s last college competition.
Eligible colleges could compete for federal grants to improve broadband, technology, media training, and live sports coverage. Eligible applicants include historically Black colleges and universities and certain other institutions or programs identified in the bill. Grants would be awarded competitively for projects that support long-term improvements and student learning. Congress must provide funding before grants can be awarded. The bill authorizes $180 million for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032. Each grant would last at least two years and no more than five years.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 5Message on Senate action sent to the House.Latest
- Oct 5Received in the House.
- Oct 5Held at the desk.
- Sep 29
- Vote recorded On Passage of the Bill S. 4668. Result: Bill Passed.Senate
- Sep 28Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S5021-5064)
- Sep 28Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 77 - 22. Record Vote Number: 250. (text: CR S5044-5063)
- Sep 24Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4959-4962)
- Vote recorded On the Cloture Motion S. 4668. Result: Cloture Motion Agreed to.Senate
- Sep 24Cloture on the measure, as amended, invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 25. Record Vote Number: 243.
- Sep 24The committee substitute tabled by Voice Vote.
- Sep 23Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4885)
- Sep 22Motion by Senator Thune to recommit to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 6781) fell when cloture was invoked on amendment SA 6776 in Senate.
- Sep 22Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4851)
- Sep 17Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S4773-4774)
- Vote recorded On the Motion to Proceed S. 4668. Result: Motion to Proceed Agreed to.Senate
- Sep 17Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 77 - 22. Record Vote Number: 236. (CR S4773-4774)Passed Senate
- Sep 17Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S4777-4790)
- Sep 17Motion by Senator Thune to recommit to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 6781) made in Senate. (CR S4789)
- Sep 17Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate. (CR S4789)
- Sep 16Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S4743)
- Sep 15Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 24. Record Vote Number: 235. (CR S4715-4716)
- Vote recorded On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed S. 4668. Result: Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to.Senate
- Sep 15Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate.
- Aug 5Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S4449)
- Aug 5Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S4449)
- Jun 24Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Jun 24Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 449.
- Jun 18Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Jun 2Introduced in Senate
- Jun 2Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Introduced
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