Idaho’s two Republican senators, Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, cast affirmative votes on Monday for the Protect College Sports Act of 2026. The measure cleared the Senate with a decisive 77‑22 margin, signaling strong bipartisan support for sweeping reforms to college athletics.
Key provisions of the bill
The legislation maintains the concept of “revenue sharing,” allowing direct payments to student‑athletes. It also raises the spending cap for such payments from $21.5 million to roughly $49 million, according to ESPN. Additional provisions include:
- Limiting each athlete to a single transfer during their collegiate career.
- Capping agent fees at 5 percent of a player’s earnings.
- Prohibiting colleges and universities from eliminating Olympic‑sport programs to funnel savings into football.
Senator Crapo praised the bill in a news release, stating, “College athletics are facing significant challenges; Congress can and must meaningfully address them. The Protect College Sports Act provides much‑needed clarity and consistency for student‑athletes and higher‑education institutions.”
Local university leaders weigh in
Idaho’s three public‑university presidents also endorsed the legislation. Boise State University President David Hahn called the act “an important pathway for creating a stable, fair foundation for college athletics.” The other presidents echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the bill’s potential to protect both athletes and academic programs.
President Trump’s backing
President Donald Trump publicly supported the Protect College Sports Act, describing it as a common‑sense solution that respects the hard work of student‑athletes while preserving the integrity of college sports. His endorsement was highlighted in the Senate’s press materials and underscores the administration’s broader commitment to empowering families and protecting individual liberty in the realm of higher education.
Next steps
Despite the strong Senate vote and presidential backing, the bill is not yet law. It must still clear the House of Representatives, which is currently in recess until after the November elections. If the House fails to act during the lame‑duck session, the proposal would have to be reintroduced in the next congressional session.
Idaho residents and college‑sports fans should watch for further developments as lawmakers debate the balance between athlete compensation, program stability, and the traditional values that make college athletics a cornerstone of community life.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
