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Liberty University Endorses Protect College Sports Act Amid Growing NIL Debate
Liberty University has joined more than 290 institutions in backing the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan federal bill that seeks to clarify the rapidly evolving rules around name, image, and likeness (NIL) in college athletics.
The endorsement followed a June visit by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑TX), who introduced the legislation. On June 5, 2026, Cruz attended the National American Christian Lawmakers National Policy Conference on Liberty’s campus. Before the keynote, he met with university leaders—including Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, Chief Financial Officer Dr. Robert Ritz, Senior Associate Athletic Director Todd Patulski, Director of Government and Community Relations Kenny Craig, and General Counsel David Corry—to walk through the bill’s provisions.
During the session, Cruz underscored the urgency of congressional action, warning that “college sports is in complete chaos right now” and noting that schools are canceling programs amid soaring costs.
The Protect College Sports Act introduces several key reforms. It would limit an athlete to a single transfer, eliminating the required sit‑out year except in specific situations such as a head‑coach departure. The bill caps eligibility at five years, allows schools to combine media rights for more competitive broadcast rates, and bars the formation of a “super league” of larger schools. Additional measures adopted by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation require institutions with more than $80 million in athletic revenue to maintain the number of women’s and Olympic teams they fielded in the 2024‑25 academic year and to preserve a minimum roster size.
These changes come against a backdrop of shifting NIL policy. In 2021, the NCAA adopted an interim NIL framework that permits student‑athletes to earn compensation from endorsements. A June 2025 settlement between the House and the NCAA authorized universities to share revenue directly with athletes, allowing up to $20.5 million per year for Division I schools. The Act aims to standardize compensation limits and transfer rules across all institutions.
Liberty President Dondi E. Costin praised the meeting, saying, “I’m honored that Senator Cruz would take the time to provide university leaders a detailed overview of the Protect College Sports Act.” She added that Liberty remains committed to supporting student‑athletes physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually while ensuring competitive rewards in the new era.
The bill has drawn bipartisan support. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R‑WV) and Peter Welch (D‑VT) recently cosponsored it. More than 24 collegiate athletic conferences and over 290 universities have endorsed the proposal, along with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Team USA Athletes’ Commission, National Governing Body Council, and professional leagues—including the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL—and their players’ associations.
At the time of writing, the Protect College Sports Act has advanced to the full Senate for consideration. If passed, it would establish a uniform federal framework for NIL compensation, transfer regulations, and media rights, potentially stabilizing the financial and competitive landscape of college athletics. The next steps involve Senate floor debate, possible amendments, and eventual House passage, decisions that will shape how universities, athletes, and leagues navigate the intersection of amateur sport and commercial opportunity.
The endorsement followed a June visit by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑TX), who introduced the legislation. On June 5, 2026, Cruz attended the National American Christian Lawmakers National Policy Conference on Liberty’s campus. Before the keynote, he met with university leaders—including Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, Chief Financial Officer Dr. Robert Ritz, Senior Associate Athletic Director Todd Patulski, Director of Government and Community Relations Kenny Craig, and General Counsel David Corry—to walk through the bill’s provisions.
During the session, Cruz underscored the urgency of congressional action, warning that “college sports is in complete chaos right now” and noting that schools are canceling programs amid soaring costs.
The Protect College Sports Act introduces several key reforms. It would limit an athlete to a single transfer, eliminating the required sit‑out year except in specific situations such as a head‑coach departure. The bill caps eligibility at five years, allows schools to combine media rights for more competitive broadcast rates, and bars the formation of a “super league” of larger schools. Additional measures adopted by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation require institutions with more than $80 million in athletic revenue to maintain the number of women’s and Olympic teams they fielded in the 2024‑25 academic year and to preserve a minimum roster size.
These changes come against a backdrop of shifting NIL policy. In 2021, the NCAA adopted an interim NIL framework that permits student‑athletes to earn compensation from endorsements. A June 2025 settlement between the House and the NCAA authorized universities to share revenue directly with athletes, allowing up to $20.5 million per year for Division I schools. The Act aims to standardize compensation limits and transfer rules across all institutions.
Liberty President Dondi E. Costin praised the meeting, saying, “I’m honored that Senator Cruz would take the time to provide university leaders a detailed overview of the Protect College Sports Act.” She added that Liberty remains committed to supporting student‑athletes physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually while ensuring competitive rewards in the new era.
The bill has drawn bipartisan support. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R‑WV) and Peter Welch (D‑VT) recently cosponsored it. More than 24 collegiate athletic conferences and over 290 universities have endorsed the proposal, along with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Team USA Athletes’ Commission, National Governing Body Council, and professional leagues—including the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL—and their players’ associations.
At the time of writing, the Protect College Sports Act has advanced to the full Senate for consideration. If passed, it would establish a uniform federal framework for NIL compensation, transfer regulations, and media rights, potentially stabilizing the financial and competitive landscape of college athletics. The next steps involve Senate floor debate, possible amendments, and eventual House passage, decisions that will shape how universities, athletes, and leagues navigate the intersection of amateur sport and commercial opportunity.
