Senate bill hits mid-major budgets

The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act on September 28 with a 77-22 vote, setting federal standards for athlete compensation, transfer eligibility, and non-revenue sports. The bill awaits House action after a recess that began on September 16. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure into law.

For Northern Arizona University, the legislation creates a distinct financial challenge. The Lumberjacks reported approximately $27.1 million in total athletics revenue for the 2024-25 academic year. That figure represents roughly 18% of the total revenue generated by rival Arizona State University.

Richard Duran, who became NAU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics in July, said the new rules do not alter the school’s recruiting strategy. Duran, who previously spent nine years at the University of the Incarnate Word in Texas, stated that NAU competes against other mid-major schools rather than the wealthy Power Four institutions.

“We’re not recruiting against the powerful institutions. We’re recruiting against other mid-majors,” Duran said.

The bill reinforces revenue-sharing limits established by a House v. NCAA settlement in June 2025. It allows qualifying schools to spend up to an additional $22.5 million annually to retain athletes. Duran noted that this raises the spending bar for major programs while requiring NAU to remain fiscally responsible with its smaller budget.

A key provision of the act restricts multiple transfers. Athletes would be allowed one transfer between four-year institutions without losing eligibility. A second transfer would generally require a sit-out year, though exceptions exist for coaching departures or program discontinuations. Duran described this rule as a double-edged sword for mid-major programs.

He cited quarterback Cam Ward as an example of the model. Ward played at Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State and then Miami, eventually becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Duran said NAU coaches focus on developing talent for the time players are at the university, even if they later move to larger programs for more money.

The bill also includes protections for non-revenue sports. Schools reporting at least $50 million in annual athletic revenue would face specific requirements to maintain roster spots and scholarships. NAU, with its $27.1 million revenue, falls below that threshold. Duran said the university must make strategic investments to compete in sports like cross country and FCS football without relying on those specific federal safeguards.