Pro sports unions criticize college sports bill moving through Senate

Ten professional sports unions, led by the AFL-CIO, criticized the Protect College Sports Act during a Senate Commerce Committee markup on June 18, 2026. The bill aims to establish NIL rights and certain protections for college athletes while limiting compensation and player transfers. The AFL-CIO argues that it undermines athlete voices and collective bargaining rights, stating it jeopardizes fair compensation and restricts state laws that could protect athletes. Some professional leagues, like the NFL and MLB, previously expressed support for aspects of the bill but have called for further improvements. The Senate committee voted 19-9 to advance the bill to the full Senate for further consideration.

• 3:22 PMYahoo Sports — Ten Pro Sports Unions Criticize Bipartisan College Sports Bill