Protecting the Future of Team USA: The Imperative of Saving College Athletics

As we reminisce on the 2024 Summer Olympics, we celebrate the epitome of global competition, where the best in the world vied for glory and honor. The Olympics, a purest form of contest, mirrors the spirit of competition we cherish in the United States, from youth sports to high school and college levels. The Olympics serve as a testament to the indispensable role of college sports in shaping Team USA and many international athletes alike. College athletics serve as a training ground for future Olympians, with 75 percent of Team USA having competed in college. These sports programs, spread across universities nationwide, provide athletes the opportunity to hone their skills while facing top-tier competition. However, the future of these programs hangs in the balance due to the lack of congressional action. The world of college athletics is undergoing seismic changes, and the recent House settlement offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, unresolved issues threaten the existence of some college sports programs, particularly female and Olympic sports. The policy of labeling student-athletes as employees of their institutions could lead to a catastrophic impact on female and Olympic sports, as scholarships and benefits become taxable and specialized health care transitions to institutional employee health care. The financial constraints imposed by this policy change could force athletic departments to cut women's and Olympic sports, leaving these programs vulnerable. Football and men's basketball, being the primary revenue-generating sports, would remain unscathed, while female and Olympic sports face potential elimination. The disorganization caused by competing state laws further exacerbates the situation. The recent settlement agreement offers a roadmap for Congress to follow, securing opportunities for future student-athletes across female and Olympic sports. The continued success of Team USA hinges on the preservation of college sports programs and the maintenance of a robust pipeline for the next generation of Olympians.