This legislation requires the Secretary of State to develop and implement a comprehensive sports diplomacy strategy, known as the "American Decade of Sports Act." Its primary purpose is to strategically leverage major international sporting events hosted in the United States between 2024 and 2034, such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The overarching goal is to significantly enhance United States soft power , strengthen diplomatic relationships, and bolster global leadership through these high-profile events. The Secretary of State must submit two five-year strategies to Congress, detailing diplomatic objectives, metrics of success, and plans for partnerships with local host cities, diaspora communities, and the sports industry. A key provision includes ensuring an expeditious and secure visa process for athletes, support staff, and international visitors. Additionally, the bill renames the Sports Diplomacy Division to the Office of Sports Diplomacy, assigning it the responsibility of managing exchange programs and implementing the strategy with increased dedicated staff, and mandates regular reports on its progress to Congress.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Sports and Recreation
American Decade of Sports Act
USA119th CongressS-3676| Senate
| Updated: 1/15/2026
This legislation requires the Secretary of State to develop and implement a comprehensive sports diplomacy strategy, known as the "American Decade of Sports Act." Its primary purpose is to strategically leverage major international sporting events hosted in the United States between 2024 and 2034, such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The overarching goal is to significantly enhance United States soft power , strengthen diplomatic relationships, and bolster global leadership through these high-profile events. The Secretary of State must submit two five-year strategies to Congress, detailing diplomatic objectives, metrics of success, and plans for partnerships with local host cities, diaspora communities, and the sports industry. A key provision includes ensuring an expeditious and secure visa process for athletes, support staff, and international visitors. Additionally, the bill renames the Sports Diplomacy Division to the Office of Sports Diplomacy, assigning it the responsibility of managing exchange programs and implementing the strategy with increased dedicated staff, and mandates regular reports on its progress to Congress.