Bill · H.R. 5693· House(119-HR-5693)
PROTECT Act
- Introduced
- 10/6/2025
- Last activity
- 10/6/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Baumgartner
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "PROTECT Act," seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. It aims to prohibit institutions of higher education from entering into certain agreements with private capital firms or sovereign wealth funds regarding intercollegiate athletics. The legislation targets agreements that transfer ownership, profit interests, or control rights of athletics programs to these entities. It also restricts joint ventures that allow such firms to receive shares of athletics-related revenues or rights. Institutions must comply with these rules through their athletics departments, conferences, or affiliates. Any existing agreements must be brought into compliance or terminated within 24 months of the Act's enactment.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill requires annual certification and public disclosure of specific athletics agreements and exceptions.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+5
The bill seeks to prevent pressure on institutions to prioritize cash flows over Title IX obligations.
Would students be better off under this?+5
The bill aims to protect student welfare by ensuring athletics programs are managed for public benefit rather than private profit.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
The bill restricts the ability of private capital firms and hedge funds to enter into revenue-sharing agreements with colleges.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Institutional Assets: The bill aims to ensure that institutional assets, including athletics programs and facilities, are managed for student welfare and public benefit rather than private enrichment (Section 2, Finding 3).
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Preservation of Educational Mission: By limiting private capital influence, the bill seeks to prevent pressure to maximize short-term cash flows at the expense of educational and Title IX obligations (Section 2, Finding 4).
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Increased Transparency and Accountability: The bill requires institutions to provide annual certifications and public disclosure of any agreements that rely on specific exceptions (Section 3, Subparagraph E).
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Prevention of Foreign/Private Influence over Athletics: The bill prohibits the transfer of control rights regarding decisions such as hiring, scheduling, and branding to private capital firms or sovereign wealth funds (Section 3, Subparagraph A).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Requirement to Terminate Existing Agreements: Institutions with current agreements involving private capital or sovereign wealth funds will be forced to either bring them into compliance or terminate them within 24 months (Section 3, Subparagraph G).
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Restrictions on Revenue and Control: Institutions are prohibited from entering into agreements that convey ownership, profit, or control rights over media, sponsorship, or athletics facilities to specific types of firms or funds (Section 3, Subparagraph A).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+5Good For Business Owners-5
- 10/6/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House