SEC, Big Ten release joint statement in support of Protect College Sports Act
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The SEC and Big Ten are on board with the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act.
“The Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference support the Protect College Sports Act as currently drafted, following detailed and productive negotiations with Senators Cruz, Cantwell and Schmitt and their respective staffs,” the two conferences said in a joint statement. “We appreciate the substantial work that has gone into this effort.”
Joint statement from the Big Ten & SEC Presidents and Chancellors on the Protect College Sports Act: pic.twitter.com/zxJmsOz9lN
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 1, 2026
The senators mentioned in the joint statement said that the support of the two major conferences allows the bill to move forward. That comes at a key time, with the United States Senate’s August recess looming.
We must act now—the future of college sports is on the line.
— Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) August 1, 2026
With the @SEC and @bigten's support, we're moving our bipartisan Protect College Sports Act forward.
This is about protecting opportunities for student athletes & preserving a uniquely American tradition. https://t.co/0yMrvwsg0J
It’s official. The @thebigten and the @SEC have endorsed the Protect College Sports Act. Glad to have their support.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) August 1, 2026
Now it’s time to get the bill through Congress and on to President Trump’s desk. Let’s save college sports.
Good. Now progress can be made in protecting women and Olympic athletes and moving this legislation closer to the President’s desk. https://t.co/RWytYnzVya
— Sen. Maria Cantwell (@SenatorCantwell) August 1, 2026
Just because the bill is moving forward, though, it’s far from becoming law. It’s uncertain if it will receive the 60 necessary votes in the Senate. If it were to pass the Senate, there is then the matter of receiving the required number of votes in the House of Representatives.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
