New Bill Establishes Nonprofit to Boost USMMA Athletics, Licenses Trademarks for Recruiting

So, you know how college sports can be a big deal, even at our military academies? Well, there’s a new bill, the “USMMA Athletics Act of 2026,” that’s looking to give the United States Merchant Marine Academy’s athletic programs a serious shot in the arm. Essentially, it greenlights the creation of a brand-new nonprofit corporation specifically designed to support USMMA sports, and it’s got some interesting angles on how it’ll get things done.

The Game Plan: A New Nonprofit on the Field

At its core, this bill lets the Secretary of Transportation set up a nonprofit corporation in New York State. Think of it as a dedicated booster club, but with official government backing. The U.S. government will own all its stock, and it's set up to be a tax-exempt entity under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, meaning donations could be tax-deductible. Its whole mission? To pour resources into the Academy’s athletic programs, from equipment to facilities. This move is about giving USMMA athletics a more flexible and dedicated funding stream, separate from the usual government appropriations process. It’s pretty straightforward: more support for the teams means better opportunities for the student-athletes.

Signing Deals and Scoring Funds

This new corporation won't just be a passive entity; it’s designed to be active. The Secretary of Transportation can cut deals with it, including contracts and even leases for Academy property that isn't immediately needed. What's interesting is that some of these contracts can be “sole-source,” meaning they don’t have to go through the usual competitive bidding process, as long as they meet specific criteria (41 U.S.C. 3304(a)). This could speed up getting things done, like facility upgrades or new gear. Plus, the bill allows the Secretary to transfer existing athletic-related assets from other Department of Transportation entities to this new nonprofit. For everyday folks, this means that if you’re a USMMA alum or just a fan, your contributions to the athletic programs might now go through a more streamlined, dedicated channel, and the Academy gets to keep and use those funds directly for sports, without them getting tangled up in broader government budgets.

Trademark Power-Up: Beyond the Field

Here’s a cool part: the bill also beefs up the Academy's ability to use its brand. It amends 49 U.S.C. 109(h)(2) to let the Secretary license USMMA trademarks and service marks – think logos, mascots, and official names. The nonprofit corporation can then enter into licensing, marketing, and sponsorship agreements. This isn't just about selling t-shirts; the fees generated from these deals will first cover the costs of managing the trademarks, and then, crucially, any leftover money goes straight into the Academy’s recruiting efforts. For a prospective student-athlete, this could mean more outreach, better recruitment materials, and ultimately, a stronger pool of talent for the Academy. It’s a smart way to turn brand recognition into tangible support for both athletics and the future of the Academy.