A substantive revision. V2 establishes the Office of Sports Diplomacy directly, rather than renaming an existing division, and mandates a subsequent strategy incorporating lessons learned. It also introduces a 10-year sunset for the Office and removes the requirement for additional full-time equivalent staff.
American Decade of Sports Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 27, 2026
Bottom line
The American Decade of Sports Act establishes a strategic framework and a dedicated office within the State Department to utilize upcoming major U.S.-hosted international sporting events as a tool for public diplomacy and strengthening global ties.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of State to develop and implement a comprehensive 5-year sports diplomacy strategy. The strategy aims to leverage major international sporting events hosted in the United States between 2024 and 2034 to enhance U.S. soft power, diplomatic relationships, and global leadership. It also establishes a dedicated Office of Sports Diplomacy within the Department of State to manage these efforts, including coordinating with host cities, engaging diaspora communities, partnering with the sports industry, and ensuring efficient visa processing for international visitors.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a crucial, proactive framework to maximize the diplomatic and cultural benefits of the United States hosting an unprecedented number of major international sporting events over the next decade. They contend that a coordinated strategy will effectively showcase American values, foster people-to-people connections, and enhance U.S. global leadership and soft power without requiring new, large-scale event investments, leveraging existing opportunities instead.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is laudable, establishing a new office and mandating detailed strategies could lead to unnecessary bureaucratic expansion and overhead within the State Department. They may contend that existing diplomatic channels are sufficient for such initiatives, or that the tangible impact of 'sports diplomacy' on soft power is difficult to measure and may not justify the allocation of new resources and administrative effort.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions well within the time typically allotted for legislative review.
Section 2
Definitions of 'American Decade of Sports'
This section defines the scope of the bill's focus, specifically identifying the 'American decade of sports' or 'mega-decade of sports' as the period between 2024 and 2034. It lists major international sporting competitions hosted in the U.S. during this time, including the 2024 Copa America, 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 2034 Winter Olympics, among others. This clarifies which events the mandated diplomacy strategy will target.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that clearly defining the scope ensures that the State Department's efforts are focused on the most impactful international events, providing a concrete framework for strategic planning and resource allocation.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against definitional provisions, as they are standard legislative practice for clarity.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for a clear scope with the potential for excluding future, currently unforeseen major sporting events that might also offer diplomatic opportunities.
Section 3
Mega-Decade Sports Diplomacy Strategy Requirement
This section mandates the Secretary of State to submit two 5-year sports diplomacy strategies to Congress: an initial one within 180 days of enactment and a subsequent one five years later. These strategies must detail diplomatic objectives, plans for partnering with host cities, diaspora communities, and the sports industry, internal State Department coordination, and a plan for ensuring an expeditious and secure visa process for international visitors. The strategies must also be made publicly available and require ongoing consultation with congressional committees.
Section 4
Establishment of Office of Sports Diplomacy
This section formally establishes the Office of Sports Diplomacy within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State. The Office is tasked with managing sports diplomacy exchange programs and implementing the strategies required by Section 3. Its functions include coordinating across State Department bureaus, engaging with host cities and diaspora communities, partnering with the U.S. sports industry, promoting cultural exchange, and ensuring efficient visa processing. This office is subject to a sunset clause, ceasing to have effect 10 years after the Act's enactment.
The Office of Sports Diplomacy established by this Act shall cease to have effect 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 4(c)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for sunset clauses, often placed at the end of the section they modify. It's a clear limitation rather than an attempt to obscure.
Case for: Proponents would argue that the sunset clause ensures the office is a temporary measure, specifically designed to address the unique opportunity of the 'American Decade of Sports,' preventing the creation of a permanent bureaucracy beyond its intended purpose.
Case against: No specific case against the sunset clause itself, as it addresses a common concern about government expansion. However, some might argue that if the office proves highly effective, its dissolution after 10 years could prematurely end valuable diplomatic efforts.
Estimated impact: This provision ensures the Office of Sports Diplomacy will operate for a maximum of 10 years, aligning its lifespan with the 'mega-decade of sports' it is designed to leverage.