The bill's supporters, which include the NCAA, say it will tame what they call a "Wild West" era of college sports as litigation chips away at long-held rules around eligibility, transfers and pay.

(Image credit: Jason Clark)

The Protect College Sports Act is on the brink of passing in the Senate, where a handful of former college athletes who are now senators on both sides of the aisle have an extra say in the debate.

(Image credit: Doug Benc)