Careers
Senate Passes the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, Leaving Athlete Employment Status Unresolved
The bill sets national rules for NIL, eligibility and transfers in a market worth billions, but critics say it stops short of recognizing athletes as employees.
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By Dana Whitfield
Sep 29, 2026 · 7 min read
The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, S. 4668, by a vote of 77-22 on Monday, sending to the House the first comprehensive federal framework for an athlete labor market that has operated under a patchwork of state laws and court settlements since 2021.
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Dana Whitfield
Leadership Editor
Dana reports on boards, succession and executive pay. She has interviewed more than 200 sitting chief executives.