College athletes could earn endorsement money without losing scholarships under S 4668
Passed one chamberS. 4668Latest action
Sponsor: Ted Cruz · Senator · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Protect College Sports Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 4668 would bar schools and the NCAA from blocking athlete endorsement deals or pulling scholarships over them, and would add injury and agent rules.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 4668 sets national rules for college sports. Schools, conferences, and groups like the NCAA could not stop athletes from earning money from their name, image, and likeness, or take away a scholarship for doing so. The bill also adds agent rules, athlete health and safety protections, limits on coach moves and tampering, TV and media provisions, and a grant program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Who does it affect?
College athletes and their families, athletic departments, coaches, agents, conferences, the NCAA, media companies, and fans. Many of the rules apply mainly to Division I schools.
Why does it matter?
Schools and the NCAA would lose the ability to restrict athlete endorsement deals, and top-level schools would take on new duties for injury costs and health standards. Agents would face registration and fee limits, and athletes could sue over violations.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Schools cover injury costs for 5 years
- NCAA fund of at least $60 million
- Agent fees capped at 5 percent
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Engrossed in Senate” text of Sep 28, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 2, 2026
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · Oct 5, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate and now goes to the House. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
Senate · · Roll call 250
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage of the Bill S. 4668
- Result:
- Bill Passed
- 77
- Nay
- 22
- 0
- 1
Republicans 50 yes, 2 no, 1 not voting · Democrats 26 yes, 19 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 249
As recorded
- Question
- On the Amendment S.Amdt. 6835 to S.Amdt. 6776 to S. 4668 (No short title on file)
- Result:
- Amendment Rejected
- 47
- Nay
- 52
- 0
- 1
Republicans 1 yes, 51 no, 1 not voting · Democrats 44 yes, 1 no · Independents 2 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 248
As recorded
- Question
- On the Amendment S.Amdt. 6805 to S.Amdt. 6776 to S. 4668 (No short title on file)
- Result:
- Amendment Rejected
- 49
- Nay
- 50
- 0
- 1
Republicans 2 yes, 50 no, 1 not voting · Democrats 45 yes · Independents 2 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
8 earlier votes
Senate · · Roll call 247
As recorded
- Question
- On the Amendment S.Amdt. 6760 to S.Amdt. 6776 to S. 4668 (No short title on file)
- Result:
- Amendment Rejected
- 42
- Nay
- 54
- 0
- 4
Republicans 9 yes, 40 no, 4 not voting · Democrats 31 yes, 14 no · Independents 2 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 246
As recorded
- Question
- On the Amendment S.Amdt. 6758 to S.Amdt. 6776 to S. 4668 (No short title on file)
- Result:
- Amendment Rejected
- 1
- Nay
- 94
- 0
- 5
Republicans 1 yes, 48 no, 4 not voting · Democrats 44 no, 1 not voting · Independents 2 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 245
As recorded
- Question
- On the Amendment S.Amdt. 6828 to S.Amdt. 6776 to S. 4668 (No short title on file)
- Result:
- Amendment Agreed to
- 96
- Nay
- 1
- 0
- 3
Republicans 49 yes, 1 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 45 yes · Independents 2 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 243
As recorded
- Question
- On the Motion S. 4668
- Result:
- Cloture Motion Agreed to
- 74
- Nay
- 25
- 0
- 1
Republicans 49 yes, 3 no, 1 not voting · Democrats 24 yes, 21 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 242
As recorded
- Question
- On the Amendment S.Amdt. 6776 to S. 4668 (No short title on file)
- Result:
- Amendment Agreed to
- 77
- Nay
- 23
- 0
- 0
Republicans 50 yes, 3 no · Democrats 26 yes, 19 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 240
As recorded
- Question
- On the Motion S.Amdt. 6776 to S. 4668 (No short title on file)
- Result:
- Cloture Motion Agreed to
- 70
- Nay
- 21
- 0
- 9
Republicans 47 yes, 3 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 22 yes, 17 no, 6 not voting · Independents 1 yes, 1 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 236
As recorded
- Question
- On the S. 4668
- Result:
- Motion to Proceed Agreed to
- 77
- Nay
- 22
- 0
- 1
Republicans 49 yes, 3 no, 1 not voting · Democrats 27 yes, 18 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
Senate · · Roll call 235
As recorded
- Question
- On S. 4668
- Result:
- Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to
- 74
- Nay
- 24
- 0
- 2
Republicans 49 yes, 4 no · Democrats 24 yes, 19 no, 2 not voting · Independents 1 yes, 1 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record