College Sports Preservation Act of 2026

Section 1. Short Title. This Act may be cited as the 'College Sports Preservation Act of 2026'. Section 2. Antitrust Immunity. The NCAA, its member institutions, and athletic conferences are exempt from federal antitrust laws (15 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) for agreements on athlete eligibility, compensation caps tied to education costs, and revenue distribution that complies with Title IX (20 U.S.C. 1681). No private right of action; challenges go to federal courts. Section 3. Athlete Status. Student-athletes at postsecondary institutions receiving federal funds are not 'employees' under the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) or National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) if they receive scholarships, stipends up to $20,000/year, and health protections. Institutions must report revenue sharing annually to promote equity. Section 4. Oversight and Funding. Establishes a Bipartisan College Sports Commission (6 members: 3 appointed by House Speaker, 3 by Senate Majority Leader, balanced by party) to review compliance, audit revenue sharing for Title IX adherence, and recommend adjustments. Funded at $20 million/year for 5 years from Department of Education discretionary funds, offset by fees on major conference TV deals. Sunsets after 5 years unless reauthorized. Enforcement by Attorney General; judicial review in D.C. Circuit.