President Donald Trump has once again urged Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act before the upcoming recess, emphasizing the urgency by stating, "we have to get that done."

On Thursday night, Trump hosted more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA at the White House to celebrate their achievements at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event took place in the East Room of the White House.

Trump highlighted the importance of the collegiate athletic system, calling it "the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting that it produced 88% of the Team USA representatives at the Games. He urged both the House and Senate to pass the Protect College Sports Act, promising to sign it immediately at his desk once it reaches him.

"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 that aims to provide the NCAA with greater antitrust legal protections and establish a uniform framework for college athletics regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation, the transfer portal, and other issues. NCAA officials continue to lobby for its passage.

While an amendment that could influence Republican support has yet to be announced, Trump expressed hope that the bill will soon reach the Oval Office with the necessary framework to protect college sports now and in the future.

Whether the Senate will act on the bill remains uncertain, but Trump's remarks serve as a clear push for swift legislative action.

Sources