TEAM USA Act

Summary#

This bill, the TEAM USA Act, would change the Higher Education Act so colleges and universities that take part in Title IV student-aid programs must limit how many international student athletes play on each varsity sports team. For each varsity team, no more than 20 percent of the roster may be international student athletes. If a varsity team has fewer than 10 student athletes, that team may have at most 1 international student athlete. Schools would have to report the percentage of international student athletes on each team every year to the Secretary of Education and to the applicable athletic association. The bill defines key terms, including "international student athlete," "varsity sports team," and "athletic association." It becomes effective July 1, 2029, and applies starting in the 2029–2030 academic year.

What it means for you#

• If you attend or work for a college that participates in Title IV programs, the school would need to follow these roster limits for each varsity team.
• Coaches and athletic departments would track and report the share of international student athletes on each official team roster every year.
• The bill’s definitions determine who counts as an international student athlete (for example, students who are not U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents, or who receive certain athletics-related support from a foreign Olympic or Paralympic committee).

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s findings state that federal student-aid programs mainly support educational opportunities for American students and that intercollegiate athletics provide important educational and career opportunities. The sponsors say limiting the share of international student athletes would preserve roster and scholarship opportunities for American student athletes while still allowing meaningful participation by international students.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.