USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 (S. 3266)

Summary

Allows the Secretary of Transportation to create a special nonprofit group to raise money and support the sports teams at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

What problem does this solve?

The United States Merchant Marine Academy's athletic programs face challenges in raising and using funds due to strict government rules. This bill creates a separate nonprofit corporation to manage money, contracts, and sponsorships more flexibly, like other universities do.

What does this bill do?

Creates a nonprofit corporation for athletics

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a nonprofit corporation under New York state law. This corporation's purpose is to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

Establishes government ownership and control

Specifies that all stock of the new corporation will be owned by the United States government. The Secretary of Transportation will hold and vote on the stock.

Sets rules for the board of directors

Requires board members to serve without pay, though they can be reimbursed for travel. Department of Transportation employees can serve on the board for oversight but cannot make up more than one-third of the board or run daily operations.

Allows special contracts with the corporation

Permits the Secretary to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with the corporation, including sole-source contracts, to support the athletic programs.

Authorizes leasing of academy property

Allows the Secretary to lease real property at the USMMA to the corporation for up to five years, as long as the property is not immediately needed by the academy.

Permits acceptance of outside funds

Allows the Secretary to accept funds from the new corporation, the NCAA, athletic conferences, and other sources to support the USMMA's athletic programs.

Allows licensing of USMMA trademarks

Gives the corporation authority to enter into licensing, marketing, and sponsorship agreements using USMMA trademarks and service marks, with the Secretary's approval.

Who does this affect?

United States Merchant Marine Academy students and athletes
Department of Transportation
College athletic organizations

What is the real world impact?

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Provides flexible funding for athletics

Establishes a dedicated, nonprofit funding source for the USMMA's athletic programs. This allows the academy to operate more like other colleges, which often rely on athletic foundations or booster clubs to support their teams, pay for travel, and upgrade facilities.

When does this start?

This bill takes effect when it is signed into law, but it includes a specific deadline for one action.

Trademark program guidance

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue guidance for the new trademark and service mark licensing program within 180 days of the bill becoming law.