Running News Daily

The landscape of American college sports moved closer to a major transformation on Monday after the U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 by a 77-22 vote, sending the legislation to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bipartisan bill seeks to establish a nationwide framework governing college athletics, including name, image and likeness (NIL), athlete compensation, transfers, eligibility and protections for non-revenue sports.

For college track and field, the legislation could be particularly significant because it specifically addresses the future of women’s and Olympic sports, which includes track and field.

One of the key provisions would require qualifying institutions that receive collective media-rights revenue to maintain protections for non-revenue sports, including women’s and Olympic sports, in terms of roster spots and scholarship opportunities.

That could provide greater stability for track and field programs at schools navigating the rapidly changing financial structure of college athletics.

The legislation would also codify athletes’ right to earn money from their name, image and likeness, while establishing federal rules around NIL agreements and revenue sharing. Athletes would also be eligible to receive a defined share of certain athletics revenues under the proposed framework.

Transfers are another major component of the bill. The legislation would establish national rules governing athlete movement between schools, including a general one-time transfer opportunity without loss of eligibility, while introducing restrictions intended to address tampering and other transfer-related practices.

The bill also contains provisions involving scholarships, healthcare and eligibility. Among its proposals are protections for scholarships in certain circumstances, extended medical coverage after an athlete’s college career and a five-year eligibility framework with specified exceptions.

For track and field athletes, the potential changes extend well beyond competition. The legislation could influence how universities structure scholarships, manage rosters, distribute athletic revenues and create NIL opportunities for athletes competing in Olympic sports.

However, the bill is not yet law.

After clearing the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, the Protect College Sports Act must still pass the U.S. House of Representatives before it could reach the president for consideration.

The Senate vote marks another significant development in the continuing effort to reshape American college athletics following years of legal battles, NCAA rule changes and the rapid expansion of NIL opportunities.

For college track and field, much attention will now turn to whether the final legislation can provide greater stability for Olympic sports while giving athletes a clearer path to participate in the financial opportunities emerging across college athletics.

The Senate has taken the first major step. The next stage of the legislation now lies with the House.