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, staff, and representatives from Team USA who competed in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump emphasized the importance of the collegiate athletic system in American Olympic success.

Trump highlighted that 88% of Team USA representatives at the Games came from the collegiate athletic system, calling it "the engine of American Olympic dominance." 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 is a bipartisan bill supported by NCAA officials that aims to provide greater antitrust legal protections for collegiate sports. 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 the details of potential amendments are still pending and could influence Republican support, Trump expressed hope that the bill would reach the Oval Office soon to safeguard college sports now and in the future.

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

Sources