NFL endorses Protect College Sports Act as ‘important step’ toward stability

The NFL has released a statement in support of the Protect College Sports Act. The league cited the need for stability in the college athletics landscape and said the bill is an “important step” toward that point.

Tuesday’s statement comes ahead of a scheduled markup this week – the next step in the legislative process. The NFL also voiced its support for the bill’s provision regarding the voluntary pooling of media rights. That has been a key point of conversation about the bipartisan legislation, particularly since the Big Ten and SEC have spoken out against the idea.

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The NFL also said it plans to keep working with Congressional leadership as the bill moves ahead. A markup is on the schedule for Thursday, the Senate Commerce Committee previously announced.

“The National Football League applauds Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell, Eric Schmitt, and Chris Coons for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Protect College Sports Act of 2026,” the statement reads, via ESPN’s Heather Dinich. “Healthy, stable, and thriving collegiate athletics is essential to the future of American sports, including Olympic sports, and this legislation is an important step to achieving that for the benefit of all college athletes and institutions alike.

“By utilizing proven models like the voluntary pooling of media rights under the Sports Broadcasting Act, which supports broad, fan-friendly distribution of NFL games, this legislation will support college athletics and ensure fans will be able to access their favorite games across today’s changing media landscape. The League looks forward to continue working with Congressional leaders as this bill moves through the legislative process.”

This story will be updated.