Protect College Sports Act Nears Senate Vote as 94% of Division I Programs Run Deficits
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 16
Protect College Sports Act Nears Senate Vote as 94% of Division I Programs Run Deficits
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 16
Summary
A new report from Sen. Maria Cantwell says 94% of NCAA Division I athletic programs spent more than they generated in 2023-24, forcing schools to cover deficits with subsidies, student fees or public support.
The report argues spending is becoming unsustainable, citing a 322% rise in recruiting costs from 2005 to 2023 and more than 100 women’s and Olympic sports cut by NCAA schools over the past three years.
That financial case is being used to bolster the Protect College Sports Act, which would raise revenue sharing from $21.35 million to roughly $44 million-$45 million, plus up to $5 million for women’s and non-revenue sports.
The bill, however, still faces resistance from senators and athletes who say it gives schools and the NCAA legal protection without addressing athlete employment status or creating a collective-bargaining framework.
After the rival Clarity Act was voted down, the Protect College Sports Act moved toward a Senate floor vote and later won its first procedural test, 74-24.
Does granting antitrust protection to universities save college athletics, or permanently transform student-athletes into restricted professional employees?
How will regulators prevent wealthy athletic programs from finding new underground loopholes around the proposed compensation caps?