President Donald Trump renewed his call for Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act before the upcoming recess, emphasizing the urgency of the matter during a White House celebration on Thursday night, August 6th, 2026.

The event honored more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA for their achievements at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, where American athletes earned 57 total medals, including 25 gold.

Trump highlighted the importance of the collegiate athletic system, calling it "the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting it produced 88% of Team USA representatives at the Games. He urged both the House and Senate to pass the bill, stating he would sign it 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. “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 and establish a uniform framework for college athletics regarding Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation, the transfer portal, and other issues.

While details of a potential amendment remain uncertain 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.

Whether the Senate will act on the bill remains to be seen, but Trump’s remarks at the White House event signal a strong push for its passage.

Sources