Protection of College Sports Act Introduced by Rep. Greg Steube

On August 29, 2025, U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced the introduction of the Protection of College Sports Act. The legislation aims to provide a framework for collegiate sports amid the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, building upon executive action previously taken by President Trump.

Challenges in Collegiate Athletics

As NIL opportunities gain traction, they also present significant obstacles to many programs. Rep. Steube highlighted concerns about funding disparities, stating, “While boosters pour millions of dollars into their alma mater’s football and men’s basketball programs, the rest of the sports landscape is left scrounging for pennies.” This imbalance notably affects women’s athletics, which face critical funding shortages and could endanger the talent pipeline for U.S. Olympic teams in non-revenue sports such as swimming and track and field.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The Protection of College Sports Act outlines four main objectives:

• Increased Scholarship Opportunities: Colleges with athletic budgets exceeding $125 million are required to enhance scholarship offerings for women’s and non-revenue sports. Schools with lower revenues will also be expected to meet similar benchmarks to ensure equitable opportunities.
• Banning “Pay-for-Play” Funds: The bill prohibits third-party payments disguised as endorsement pools for athletes, addressing concerns over financial fairness.
• Preservation of Non-Employee Status: To maintain the academic nature of scholarships, the legislation safeguards the non-employee status of student-athletes, preventing scholarships from being classified as taxable income.
• Prevention of Future Disputes: The act aims to mitigate potential labor and antitrust conflicts related to NIL arrangements.

Bipartisan Support

Rep. Stephanie Bice is serving as a co-lead for the Protection of College Sports Act, emphasizing the importance of protecting student-athletes in an evolving college athletics environment. “I am proud to support this legislation which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order,” Rep. Bice commented.

The bill has garnered support from legal experts, including Darren Heitner, Founder of Heitner Legal. “I hope that the codification of the ‘Saving College Sports’ Executive Order will provide much-needed clarity and structure to the evolving landscape of NIL compensation and revenue sharing,” Heitner remarked. He emphasized the importance of balancing athlete rights while promoting the sustainability of college sports.

To access the full text of the legislation, please click here.