The PROTECT Act would prohibit colleges and universities from entering into agreements that give private equity firms, hedge funds, or foreign sovereign wealth funds ownership stakes, revenue shares, or control over intercollegiate athletics programs and related commercial rights. The bill is motivated by concerns that such arrangements prioritize short-term profits over educational missions and student welfare at publicly funded institutions. Colleges would be required to certify annually that they comply with these restrictions and publicly disclose any permitted agreements (such as charitable donations or straightforward sponsorships that don't involve revenue-sharing). Existing agreements would have 24 months to be terminated or brought into compliance. The legislation applies not only to individual institutions but also to athletic conferences, media consortiums, and affiliated entities, with enforcement through the Department of Education's program participation requirements.
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