The Senate delayed its much-anticipated vote on the Protect College Sports Act, leaving uncertainty around the future of the bill.

The SEC and Big Ten came together late last week to publicly endorse the bipartisan bill co-authored by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Eric Schmitt and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell.

But with the U.S. Senate adjourned for its five-week August recess as of Saturday morning, the earliest the bill can be voted on in September.

The Protect College Sports Act, if passed by the Senate and the House, would provide the NCAA and conferences limited antitrust exemptions to create and enforce rules and policies.

The Big Ten and SEC worked in conjunction for modifications to the bill that would enhance key areas, such as player retention and rules enforcement.

The most pivotal adjustment to the bill is a $27.5 million allotment for each school, in addition to the current $21.3 million cap representing revenue sharing.

Of that $27.5 million, $22.5 million would go for schools to retain players, while another $5 million would be spent on non-revenue sports and women’s athletics.

The SEC and Big Ten also asked for stronger language in the bill where name, image and likeness third-party rules enforcement is concerned as they relate to third-party deals.

Among the major changes/rules the new bill would introduce:

  • Athletes would be allowed one penalty-free transfer and eligibility unless there is a head coach firing.
  • Athletes’ eligibility would be capped at five years over a five-year span.
  • Professional athletes would be banned from returning to college.
  • An agent registry would be established, with agents allowed a maximum fee of 5%.
  • Coaches would be prohibited from leaving a job for another head coaching job midseason.
  • Major conference schools would be prohibited from cutting varsity sports, roster spots or funding for non-revenue and women’s sports.
  • Power conference membership would be capped at 19 schools and would require programs moving from one conference to another to operate as an independent for five years.