President Donald Trump renewed his call for Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act, emphasizing the urgency as the congressional recess approaches. Speaking at a White House reception on Thursday night, August 6th, 2026, honoring more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA who competed at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump highlighted the critical role of collegiate athletics in American Olympic success.

Trump stated, "the collegiate athletic system is the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting it produced 88% of Team USA representatives in the recent Games. He urged the House and Senate to come together, ideally in a bipartisan manner, to pass the bill and send it to his desk, promising, "I will sign it. I think we have no choice."

The Protect College Sports Act is a bipartisan bill supported by NCAA officials that aims to provide the collegiate governing body with enhanced antitrust legal protections and establish a uniform framework for college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and transfer portal regulations.

Trump expressed concern about the consequences of inaction, saying, "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 president also noted ongoing efforts to protect women's sports and preserve cherished sporting traditions in the nation.

Whether the Senate will act on the Protect College Sports Act before recess remains uncertain, but Trump’s remarks signal strong executive support for the legislation.

Sources