College sports cash rules under the spotlight

A new bill aims to stop the wild spending spree in college sports that’s turning campuses into mini-pro leagues. The Protect College Sports Act would set limits on how much money flows to top athletes through deals tied to their fame. But even with support from both Democrats and Republicans, the bill faces a tough road ahead. The issue started when a Supreme Court decision in 2021 allowed athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. What began as a way for students to make a little extra cash has exploded into a system where top players sign million-dollar endorsement deals. Meanwhile, schools in big conferences like the SEC and Big Ten are spending like professional teams, while smaller colleges struggle to keep up.The bill would cap payments to boosters who help funnel money to athletes. It would also limit how long athletes can stay eligible and restrict how often they can switch schools for bigger paychecks. Right now, many athletes chase better deals through the transfer portal, only to lose scholarships if things don’t work out. Women’s sports and Olympic programs often get left behind as schools focus on football and basketball. Even though the NCAA claims to be reviewing the bill, critics say the organization hasn’t done enough to fix the problem. Some coaches now earn salaries that rival pro teams, while athletes in smaller sports see their programs cut to fund bigger ones. The bill isn’t perfect, but supporters say it’s a step in the right direction.