President Donald Trump has once again urged Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act before the upcoming recess, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Speaking at a White House event on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, honoring more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA who competed in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump highlighted the importance of college athletics to American Olympic success.

Trump stated, "the collegiate athletic system is the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting that it produced 88% of Team USA representatives at the recent Games. He called on both the House and Senate to pass the bill, which he said he would sign immediately at his desk.

“I’m urging the House and the Senate to come together, bipartisan if possible and it looks like they have done, to send the bill to my desk and I will sign it. I think we have no choice,” Trump said. He added, "We have to get that done. If we don’t, we’re very foolish. Nobody knows what will happen. We’re in Never-Never Land. We’re not going to let that be happening. We’re not going to let that happen to these great people and others."

The Protect College Sports Act is a bipartisan bill supported by NCAA officials that aims to provide the collegiate governing body with greater antitrust legal protections. It also seeks to establish a uniform framework for college athletics regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation, the transfer portal, and other key issues.

While details about potential amendments remain uncertain and could influence Republican support, Trump expressed hope that the bill will reach the Oval Office soon with the necessary framework to protect college sports now and in the future.

The event at the White House's East Room also celebrated Team USA's achievements at the Winter Games, where American athletes earned a total of 57 medals, including 25 gold.

Whether the Senate will approve the Protect College Sports Act before recess remains to be seen, but Trump's remarks signal strong executive support for the legislation.

Sources