FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2026
CONTACT: Kyra Smith (Crapo)
Washington, D.C.—After consultation with Idaho’s colleges and universities, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) voted to support the Protect College Sports Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 77-22. The legislation would establish a federal regulatory framework for college athletics and set national standards for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation, among other provisions.
“College athletics are facing significant challenges Congress can and must meaningfully address,” said Crapo. “The Protect College Sports Act provides much-needed clarity and consistency for student athletes and higher education institutions. It protects athletes’ Name, Image and Likeness rights while also preserving fair competition. Clear national standards will help provide stability for college athletics and protect the opportunities and traditions that make college sports an important part of communities across the country.”
The Protect College Sports Act is supported by various Idaho colleges and universities:
“Athletics is the front porch of Boise State and often the first way people across Idaho and the nation encounter our university. But its impact reaches far beyond competition,” said Boise State University President David Hahn. “Athletics has helped attract students, inspire philanthropy, advance our academic and research mission, and unite Idahoans around a shared sense of pride. We are grateful to Senator Crapo for engaging with Idaho’s colleges and universities and working to bring greater clarity and stability to this rapidly changing landscape. The Protect College Sports Act is an important pathway for creating a stable, fair foundation for college athletics.”
“At the University of Idaho, we see the current version of this bill as a great framework to support college athletic programs and the student-athlete experience as we navigate the challenges facing us,” said University of Idaho President Scott Green. “We appreciate a national approach to unified guidelines that standardize important issues such as eligibility, transferring, and appropriate athlete protection. Senator Crapo has been a stalwart supporter of ensuring college athletics protects student-athletes, benefits colleges and universities and remains a shared pastime across the nation.”
“Athletics is a vital part of our campus, providing educational and athletic opportunities, developing future leaders, and creating meaningful points of pride throughout our community and alumni base,” said Idaho State University President Robert Wagner. “The Protect College Sports Act is the first bipartisan, comprehensive effort to begin addressing the destabilizing challenges faced by college athletics,” he added.
Polling released in July revealed a majority of American voters (72 percent) support the Protect College Sports Act.
Bill text is available HERE.
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About Mike Crapo
Senator Mike Crapo has represented Idaho in the Senate since 1999, following three terms in the U.S. House and eight years in the Idaho State Senate. A lifelong Idahoan, he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
