government
Senate college sports bill faces critical two-week stretch
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
A lawmaker sponsoring a key piece of federal college sports legislation said he believes the bill likely has the support it needs to make it through the upper chamber.We probably have 60 votes, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said Friday at the Associated Press Sports Editors meeting.Schmitt called the...
Key takeaway , said Friday at the Associated Press Sports Editors meeting.
Why this matters in The Waco
The fate of the Protect College Sports Act has significant implications for Waco , home to Baylor University, a prominent institution in the Big 12 Conference. As the bill navigates its critical two-week stretch, local stakeholders are likely watching closely, given the potential impact on the university's athletic programs. The legislation's provisions on name, image, and likeness payments could affect the financial dynamics of college sports in Texas, and the state's congressional representatives, including Sen. Ted Cruz, are playing a key role in shaping the bill. The concerns expressed by the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences, including the potential for increased litigation, may resonate with local athletic directors and university administrators, who must balance the needs of their programs with the evolving landscape of college sports. As the bill's prospects in the Senate and House become clearer, Waco residents can expect to see continued discussion about the potential consequences for Baylor University and the broader college sports ecosystem in Texas.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A lawmaker sponsoring a key piece of federal college sports legislation said he believes the bill likely has the support it needs to make it through the upper chamber.We probably have 60 votes, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said Friday at the Associated Press Sports Editors meeting.Schmitt called the...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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