U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Curtis (R-Utah), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) have introduced the American Decade of Sports Act, a bill aimed at enhancing U.S. sports diplomacy as the country prepares to host several major international sporting events over the next ten years.
The proposed legislation would require the Department of State to create a comprehensive strategy for sports diplomacy. This plan would utilize upcoming global sporting events hosted in the United States, including the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The strategy would be implemented through the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, providing guidance to U.S. embassies and consulates, coordinating with host cities and states, engaging diaspora communities, and promoting American sports culture along with related industries and tourism to audiences abroad.
Senator Young said, “Over the next decade, the United States will have the opportunity to share our values and culture with sports teams and fans from around the globe. Our bill will ensure the U.S. maximizes these moments to showcase American excellence, strengthen relationships with allies, and demonstrate that when America hosts the world, we do it better than anyone.”
Senator Rosen added, “The United States is preparing to host multiple, exciting, large worldwide sporting events, and we must seize the opportunity to show the world the best we have to offer. As the eyes of the globe fall on the United States during this American Decade of Sports, our bipartisan bill will help promote our nation through sports diplomacy, incentivize the exchange of American values to the rest of the world, and bring more visitors to our cities to boost our local tourism economies. By leveraging all of our diplomatic might, we will ensure this decade is for us to win.”
Senator Curtis stated, “America is in a decade of sports, with multiple international games taking place in the United States, culminating in the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Utah. The American Decade of Sports Act ensures that our State Department can do the games justice and is well-equipped to handle the numerous athletes, spectators, and official delegations that will visit the United States.”
Senator Padilla commented on California’s role: “As California hosts the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and multiple 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity on the world stage to showcase American innovation while strengthening our economy. This bill is about growing the global fan base for American sports and culture. It would advance a cost-effective solution that expands U.S. global engagement with our international partners, promotes American values, and coordinates streamlined visa processing to help ensure the next decade of sports in America is a success.”
Senator Todd Young represents Indiana in Congress since 2017 according to his official website. He serves on Senate committees focused on finance; commerce; science; transportation; small business; entrepreneurship; and intelligence as detailed online. Young has worked on issues such as national security policy development as well as economic growth initiatives according to his biography. He also sponsored laws like CHIPS and Science Act which aim at improving U.S. semiconductor manufacturing as noted by his office.
Young’s background includes degrees from institutions such as U.S. Naval Academy and service as a Marine Corps officer according to public records. His offices are located across Indiana including Indianapolis; New Albany; Fort Wayne; Valparaiso per his official page, where he provides constituent services ranging from academy nominations to veteran support.
The full text of this legislation is available online.
