Protection of College Sports Act

# Protection of College Sports Act (HR 5076) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Protection of College Sports Act is a proposed federal law that would regulate how college athletes are treated regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights—essentially the ability for student-athletes to earn money by endorsing products or using their personal brand. While specific details aren't fully available in the summary provided, bills with this title generally aim to establish federal rules governing these endorsements to create consistency across states and prevent what sponsors view as unfair recruiting advantages. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions:** This bill would directly impact college athletes, universities, and athletic programs across the country. It would also affect companies seeking to sponsor athletes.

The legislation appears designed to address concerns that NIL deals have become a form of hidden recruiting in college sports, where boosters and companies use athlete endorsements to attract talented players to specific schools. By establishing federal standards, the bill could limit how schools use these deals competitively. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 5076 is in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Gregory Steube (R-FL) in the 119th Congress.