Sen. Cantwell highlights NCAA financial issues during sports act debate

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) addressed financial challenges facing NCAA athletics during the debate over the Protect College Sports Act on September 15, 2026. Citing a Government Accountability Office report, she noted that 94% of NCAA Division I programs operated at a loss in the 2023-24 academic year, resulting in campus deficits. The act seeks to double the revenue-sharing agreement to approximately $44-45 million per athletics department and provide additional funds for women's and Olympic sports. While the bill has bipartisan support, it faces opposition from some current NCAA student-athletes and concerns about athlete representation.

• 8:44 PMYahoo Sports — Sen. Cantwell reveals difficult NCAA financial picture as College Sports Act is debated