Senate proposes $25 million retention pool in college NIL bill
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 8:39 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
A revised Senate bill aims to regulate college sports by introducing a retention pool worth up to $25 million for athletes. This proposal, part of the Protect College Sports Act, seeks to increase the financial support schools provide to players. Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti expressed anticipation in reviewing the bill's language, which includes a total of $21.3 million available this season and earmarks $5 million for women's sports. Clarity is needed on how this funding interacts with existing NIL compensation structures. The bill faces uncertainty in its path to a Senate vote before the upcoming recess on August 7.
- •Proposed retention pool is $25 million for college athletes.
- •Bill includes $21.3 million allocation for this season.
- •Five million dollars dedicated to women's sports funding.
- •Big Ten and SEC support is crucial for the bill's success.
- •Senate vote remains uncertain before August recess.
- 8:39 PMYahoo Sports — College NIL bill includes $25 million 'retention pool' but is that enough to sway Big Ten, SEC?
"A reworked Senate bill designed to regulate college sports proposes to more than double the amount of money schools could share with players as part of a flurry of revisions designed to win the support of the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences. Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti said Tuesday at his conference's football media days that he was waiting to review the new language in the Protect College Sports Act, and the hope is that the new version of the bill “provides a lot more help than not.” Among the key changes would be up to $25 million devoted to a “retention” pool that would allow schools to pay athletes already on their rosters to stay.
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