Texas Tech Coach Supports Bipartisan Bill on College Athlete Pay and Spending Limits

Texas Tech football coach Joey McGuire stated his support for the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which aims to establish enforceable federal rules for college athlete compensation and roster spending. Usa Today reported that McGuire said Texas Tech can spend with any program but welcomes clearly defined rules that apply equally.

He added that real rules that are governed and can be enforced are important, and that Congress may need to step in at the federal level.

The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Maria Cantwell of Washington. It passed the Senate Commerce Committee on June 18 and is expected to reach the Senate floor for a full vote potentially as soon as next week, according to three people familiar with the process.

McGuire noted that the 2025 House Settlement permits revenue-sharing of up to $21.35 million this year with student-athletes. Notre Dame athletics director Pete Bevacqua stated there is no cap in college football spending. Texas Tech's football program carries a $50 million roster investment, with its softball program matching that level of spending.

McGuire, who recorded 142 high school wins before joining Baylor as an assistant in 2017, compared the current environment to "Lord of the Rings," where powerful entities protect their own interests. The Protect College Sports Act has received formal statements of support from the ACC, Big 12, Notre Dame, Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NFL.

McGuire said if rules had been implemented sooner, college sports might not face its present challenges.