USMMA Athletics Act of 2026

S. 3266, the USMMA Athletics Act of 2026, would authorize the Secretary of Transportation to establish a nonprofit corporation, owned by the United States, to support the athletic programs of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The corporation could receive government property leases, enter contracts and cooperative agreements (including sole-source contracts) for athletic support, take over the Academy's existing nonappropriated fund accounts and equipment, and accept funds from sources like the NCAA, athletic conferences, ticketing, and licensing. The bill also lets the Secretary license Academy trademarks and service marks, retaining and reusing the resulting fees for athletic programs and recruiting.

The bill primarily affects the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy, and the Department of Transportation, which oversees it. Academy staff, coaches, and student-athletes would benefit from a dedicated funding and support structure similar to those used by other military academies; Department of Transportation employees could serve on the new corporation's board (limited to one-third of seats, uncompensated, oversight-only). The bill includes safeguards requiring that funding, sponsorships, and licensing deals not compromise the Department's integrity or objectivity.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on November 20, 2025, and passed the Senate with an amendment by unanimous consent on August 6, 2026. It next goes to the House of Representatives for consideration; it would need to pass the House and be signed by the President before becoming law.

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