Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is attempting a high-wire act as he tries to rally support for the Protect College Sports Act. And the window of opportunity appears to be closing.

Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., have jointly backed the legislation, which is intended in part to address player compensation and name, image and likeness issues, or NIL. It also would limit transfers and establish a five-year window of eligibility.

The bill has been promoted by ultraconservative megadonor Cody Campbell, while Athletes.org, a players association, has said it “vehemently opposes” the legislation over concerns that it could move college athletes closer to the pre-NIL era, which was rife with exploitation. The bill has also been opposed by the Big Ten and the Southeastern Conference, which include several powerhouse programs.

Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported that the legislation was in trouble after the two conferences blew past a deadline to weigh in on revisions.

Cruz and Cantwell are attempting to bring the legislation to the floor of the Senate for a vote next week — the final week that senators are in session before a monthlong recess. The legislation faces longer odds of passage if it does not reach the floor before the recess.

Ja’han Jones

Ja’han Jones is an MS NOW opinion blogger. He previously wrote The ReidOut Blog.