President Donald Trump renewed his call for Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act as the legislative recess approaches. Speaking at a White House event on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, honoring more than 120 athletes, coaches, and staff from Team USA who competed in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump emphasized the importance of the collegiate athletic system.

Trump described college sports as "the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting that 88% of Team USA representatives at the Games came from collegiate athletics. He urged both the House and Senate to come together, ideally in a bipartisan manner, to pass the bill and send it to his desk, where he promised to sign it immediately.

"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," Trump said.

The Protect College Sports Act aims to provide the NCAA with greater antitrust legal protections and establish a uniform framework for college athletics, including regulations on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and the transfer portal. NCAA officials have been lobbying for the bill's passage.

While an amendment that could influence Republican support has not yet been disclosed, Trump expressed hope that the bill would reach the Oval Office soon to safeguard college sports now and in the future. Whether the Senate will act on the bill remains uncertain.

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

Sources