West Virginia’s senior U.S. senator backs an effort that federally regulate college sports.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., spoke in support of the Protect College Sports Act at a Monday news conference on Capitol Hill.

The bill would establish national standards governing NIL, transfers, eligibility and enforcement.

“Today, we are here to talk about the importance of the Protect College Sports Act and reigning in the wild, wild west that college athletics have become,” Capito said in remarks as prepared.

Preservation of women’s and Olympic sports

Capito said one of the areas of the bill she has been able to get involved with is the preservation of women’s and Olympic sports.

“While much of the emphasis with NIL has been placed on sports like football, and we have all seen the chaos there, we must also make sure that women’s and Olympic sports are protected,” Capito said. “Title IX exists. Equal opportunity for women is an incredibly important aspect.”

Capito said she has seen firsthand, through her interactions with West Virginia schools, the support they give to these programs and their student-athletes. She said she is a former college athlete and the mother of a former female college athlete.

“These sports teach leadership development, discipline, and perseverance,” Capito said. “All traits that prepare you for life after college athletics.”

Capito said the bill will ensure that the current level of support is maintained, and that women’s and Olympic sports stay protected “if push comes to shove.”

Capito said she has been in constant contact with West Virginia athletes, coaches and administrators, and said West Virginia universities overwhelmingly support the bill.

“I applaud Chairman {Ted} Cruz, {R-Texas} and Ranking Member {Maria} Cantwell, {D-Wash.}, for their leadership on this bill and I am confident that we can get this effort across the finish line,” Capito said.