Booker Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose the Protect College Sports Act

WASHINGTON. DC – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a former Division I college football player, took to the Senate floor to oppose the Protect College Sports Act, standing with college athletes and organizations including the NAACP, Congressional Black Caucus, and AFL-CIO who have raised serious concerns about a bill that was written without athlete input, shields the NCAA from accountability, and puts the burden of enforcement on athletes themselves. “At its core, it's a bill that undermines the rights of young people who pour their blood, sweat, tears, countless hours of work, and more into their craft, ” said Senator Booker. From his earliest days in the Senate, Senator Booker has been a leading voice on college athletes’ rights, standing with athletes against efforts to roll back the hard-fought protections they have earned. “Listen to the athletes. Listen to those who represent them. This so-called “Protect College Sports Act” isn’t about protecting college athletes—it’s about protecting wealthy coaches, powerful institutions, and an NCAA that’s held unbridled power for decades while athletes faced discrimination and injustice, ” continued Senator Booker. College sports is now a roughly $20 billion industry, with more than 40 football coaches earning over $5 million a year. Just 15 fired coaches collected nearly $250 million in contract buyouts in 2025 alone. “College athletes put their bodies on the line, and generate billions, they deserve a real voice and real rights. This bill pulls the rug out from under them. Athletes deserve leaders who stand with them and I’ll keep fighting alongside them,” said Senator Booker. WATCH THE FULL SPEECH HERE.