USMMA Athletics Act of 2026
What does the USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 do?
S 3266 is a Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-MS). The bill lets the Secretary of Transportation set up a nonprofit corporation under New York law — with all stock held by the United States and voted by the Secretary — to support athletic programs at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. New Section 51329 of title 46 governs the corporation's structure, its board (Transportation employees limited to one-third of directorships), the sole-source contract authority, real-property leases (up to 5 years, only when not needed by the Academy), transfers from the Department's nonappropriated fund instrumentality, and the acceptance of NCAA and conference funds. A companion amendment to 49 U.S.C. §109(h) authorizes the Secretary to license USMMA trademarks and service marks and to retain the fees for athletic programs and recruiting.
Did S 3266 pass? Where it stands
As of August 24, 2026, S 3266 has passed the Senate.
Status: Passed Senate
Latest vote: Senate Passed by unanimous consent on August 6, 2026
Outlook: Possible
Key provisions
- New Support Corporation
- Chartered under New York law as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- All stock owned by the United States, voted by the Secretary of Transportation
- Purpose limited to charitable, educational, and civic support of USMMA athletics
- Board and Contracting
- Board serves without compensation except reasonable travel expenses
- Transportation Department employees limited to one-third of directorships and may not run day-to-day operations
- Contracts and cooperative agreements may be sole-source, notwithstanding 41 U.S.C. §3105
- Real Property, Asset Transfers, and Fundraising
- Secretary may rent or lease USMMA real property to the corporation for up to 5 years when not needed for immediate Academy use
- Secretary may transfer the Transportation Department's athletics-supporting nonappropriated-fund instrumentality assets and liabilities to the corporation (real property excluded)
- Secretary may accept funds, supplies, and services from the corporation, and receive fees from NCAA, athletic conferences, game guarantees, ticketing, and licensing
- USMMA Trademark Licensing
- Secretary of Transportation authorized to license USMMA trademarks and service marks
- Licensing fees retained by the Secretary for USMMA athletic programs and recruiting, after covering registration and licensing-program costs
- Implementation guidance required within 180 days of enactment
Last updated August 12, 2026