Senator calls for Congress to amend the Sports Broadcasting Act, like the SAFE Act does, to ensure investment in women’s and Olympic collegiate sports
SEATTLE – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, emphasized the need to invest in women’s and Olympic sports at U.S. colleges and universities—the nation’s Olympic pipeline—in a statement ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony. While many colleges have eliminated or cut funding for these sports programs, Sen. Cantwell’s SAFE Act would amend the Sports Broadcasting Act to expand media revenues so schools can protect and invest more funding in women’s and Olympic sports programs.
“Team USA, America is so proud of you! The United States is sending its largest Winter Olympics team ever—232 athletes from 32 states—to compete in the 2026 Games,” Sen. Cantwell said. “As we root for Team USA to take home the gold, it’s worth recognizing that many of our Olympians train and compete in college athletics. Today, that Olympic pipeline is under threat from budget cuts to women’s and Olympic sports, putting America’s future medal count—and our legacy of excellence—at risk. Congress needs to pass legislation to amend the Sports Broadcasting Act to generate more media revenues so schools can invest more in Olympic and women’s sports, and Team USA can continue passing the torch to the next generation of Olympians.”