Brief

Protect College Sports Act could safeguard U.S. Olympic programs

The bill adds scholarship guarantees for Olympic sports and a $27 million pool for women’s and Olympic programs.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:12:05 GMT

The Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act, a bill aimed at regulating name‑image‑likeness (NIL) payments while also protecting non‑revenue Olympic sports in colleges, according to the Independent.

What happened

The legislation, passed by a 77‑22 vote, requires most college programs to keep the same number of scholarships and roster spots for Olympic sports as in the 2024‑25 academic year. It also creates a $27 million “retention pool” within the revenue‑sharing cap, with $5 million earmarked for women’s and Olympic sports.

What the reports add

The Independent notes that 184 of the 257 U.S. medalists at the Paris 2024 Olympics came from NCAA programs, underscoring the link between college sports and Olympic success. It also cites a report by Senator Maria Cantwell indicating that more than 100 women’s and Olympic sports have been cut since 2023.

What was said

“The sky is not falling, but we're not going back to what used to be,” Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the USOPC, told the annual USOPC Assembly, as reported by the Independent.

“I feel for the athletic directors because many of them are trying to run a business but they don't know what tomorrow is,” Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport and athlete services, said.

Key facts

• The Protect College Sports Act was passed by the Senate with a 77‑22 vote. (independent.co.uk)
• The bill requires colleges to maintain scholarship numbers for Olympic sports at 2024‑25 levels. (independent.co.uk)
• It creates a $27 million retention pool, of which $5 million must be spent on women’s and Olympic sports. (independent.co.uk)
• 184 of the 257 U.S. medalists at the Paris 2024 Olympics were former NCAA athletes. (independent.co.uk)
• Since 2023, more than 100 women’s and Olympic sports programs have been eliminated at colleges, per a report by Sen. Maria Cantwell. (independent.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “How a bill intended to rein in NIL and 'protect' college sports could also save the US Olympic team”