Sport: College Sports Category: Injuries

U.S. Senate passes national NIL rules for college athletes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 11:26 PM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

U.S. Senate passes national NIL rules for college athletes

Summary

The U.S. Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 on September 28, with a bipartisan vote of 77-22. This legislation aims to establish national standards for name, image, and likeness compensation, replacing the current state-by-state laws. Key provisions include allowing athletes to earn compensation and requiring schools to cover medical expenses related to athletic injuries. Toyran Patrick, a former college athlete, emphasized the financial challenges faced by athletes, advocating for a structured approach to NIL regulations and concern over the management of large sums of money by young athletes. The bill will now move to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

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Status Watch

•Senate passes the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 on September 28.
•Bill aims to standardize NIL compensation rules across the U.S.
•Proposes covering medical expenses for collegiate athletes.
•Former athlete Toyran Patrick advocates for structured NIL regulations.
•The bill moves to the U.S. House of Representatives next.

Latest Updates

11:26 PMYahoo Sports — Senate passes bill setting national NIL rules, former Arkansas student-athlete reacts

What they're saying

"
The U.S. Senate has passed sweeping legislation that would establish national rules for name, image and likeness compensation and make other significant changes to college athletics.
— Yahoo Sports

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