Georgia’s two Democratic U.S. senators are divided over the Protect College Sports Act, a sweeping proposal that would create national rules for athlete compensation, transfers, eligibility and health protections.
Jon Ossoff voted Sept. 24 to adopt the revised bill and limit further debate, while Raphael Warnock opposed both steps. The Senate approved the substitute amendment 77-23 and invoked cloture 74-25, clearing the way for a final vote but not yet passing the measure.
Ossoff told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the current patchwork of school, conference and state policies is “deeply broken” and called the bill an improvement, although he had not committed to supporting final passage. Warnock said the proposal does more to protect the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other institutions than the athletes generating the revenue.
The legislation would create a federal right for athletes to earn money from their name, image and likeness, cap agent fees at 5%, guarantee scholarships for 10 years after eligibility and require Division I schools to provide specified medical coverage. It would establish national eligibility and transfer rules and create a $22.5 million athlete-retention fund that could rise to $27.5 million when schools invest in women’s and Olympic sports.
Supporters, including the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten Conference, argue nationwide standards are needed to stabilize college athletics, curb improper recruiting payments and protect non-revenue programs. The AFL-CIO and NAACP oppose the bill, arguing it limits collective-bargaining opportunities, overrides state protections and gives schools and conferences additional legal insulation.
The debate has particular significance in Georgia, home to the University of Georgia’s major football program, Georgia Tech athletics and a deep pool of nationally recruited high school athletes.
The Senate must still hold a final passage vote. If approved, the measure would then require House action before reaching the president.
