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119-s-3266119th Congress

USMMA Athletics Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

Passed Senate

Summary

Creates a federally owned nonprofit to raise and manage private and licensing funds for United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) athletics. It keeps Department of Transportation (DoT) control while letting the new corporation sign contracts, lease campus property, and run a trademark licensing program to support teams and recruiting.

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  • Students and teams: The corporation can accept donations, game guarantees, ticketing revenue, and licensing fees to support athletic programs and recruiting. Funds retained under the law remain available until expended.
  • Governance and oversight: The entity will be a 501(c)(3) organized under New York law and all stock is owned by the United States and voted by the Secretary. Board members serve unpaid except for travel, DoT employees may serve only for oversight and may hold no more than one-third of directorships.
  • Operations and funding tools: The Secretary can use cooperative or sole-source contracts, transfer nonappropriated fund assets except real property, and lease Academy property for up to 5 years. The Secretary must issue trademark and service mark licensing guidance within 180 days and may retain licensing fees to cover registration and program costs.

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Bill Overview

No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

MS • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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