United States: Sport

The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 (PCSA), introduced in the Senate on June 2, 2026, by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and joined by Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Chris Coons (D-DE), represents a comprehensive federal legislative effort to reshape the governance and economics of intercollegiate athletics...

One year after the landmark House v. NCAA settlement reshaped college athletics, legal and business challenges continue to emerge around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. From the $2.8 billion in back damages to the new $20.5 million institutional licensing cap, the framework governing student-athlete compensation raises complex questions about oversight, third-party agreements, and Title IX compliance that remain unresolved.

Winston Taylor and Hagens Berman announce that their audit of Power Five Conference revenues has uncovered over $44 million in additional compensation for Division I athletes under the House Revenue Sharing System. The collaborative audit process with the NCAA and major conferences identified previously unreported revenues, resulting in an extra $131,438 per participating school for the 2026-27 academic year.

The rapid expansion of online prediction markets has created a regulatory gray area where consumers can effectively wager on sporting events even in states that prohibit traditional sports betting. As platforms like Kalshi, Polymarket, and Robinhood argue their services constitute futures trading rather than gambling, state attorneys general and the CFTC are locked in legal battles over jurisdiction and consumer protection.

Jeffrey Kessler discusses the evolving landscape of college athletics, where conferences may recognize student-athletes as employees and engage in collective bargaining at the conference level. The NCAA's House settlement could provide a framework to support enhanced benefits for athletes through structured collective bargaining arrangements.

Phoenix Partners Matthew Martinez and Gregg Clifton examine how a new Department of Homeland Security rule will fundamentally change immigration planning for international student-athletes by replacing the longstanding 'Duration of Status' system with fixed admission periods. The article provides critical guidance for athletes and institutions navigating this significant shift in U.S. immigration policy affecting collegiate athletics.

A federal magistrate judge has ruled that multimedia rights companies and brand sponsors cannot be categorically excluded from the definition of "Associated Entities" under the House Settlement, leaving open the possibility that such entities could be subject to NCAA oversight if they engage in activities that circumvent compensation caps for college athletes. The decision comes as the College Sports Commission updates its enforcement policies and raises concerns about institutions using consulting agreemen

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended the implementation of U.S. Men's National Team player Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension following a controversial red card, allowing him to play in a crucial World Cup Round of 16 match. The decision has sparked intense debate about FIFA's disciplinary framework, the scope of its discretion under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and the administration of justice in high-profile international competitions.

As name, image, and likeness (“NIL”) related litigation continues to rise, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”) has sought to restore a sense of order and streamline sport-specific eligibility guidance that, according to NCAA President Charlie Baker, was “difficult to administer.” On June 23, 2026, the NCAA Division I Cabinet (the “Cabinet”) unanimously voted to adopt a single age-based eligibility model and a transition plan to eliminate the troublesome waiver process.