U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD PUSHES TO ABSORB U.S. BIATHLON AMID FINANCIAL HEADWINDS AND ATHLETE RESISTANCE

U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) is seeking to expand its footprint in Olympic sports once again, making a bid to bring the U.S. Biathlon Association (USBA) into its corporate and governing infrastructure.

The proposal comes as the smaller governing body grapples with steep financial pressures. USBA CEO Jack Gierhart informed members that the board considered the offer in response to a 22 percent funding cut from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), alongside broader pullbacks in private sponsorship.

In response, USSS CEO Sophie Goldschmidt has pitched the partnership as a financial catalyst, promising to "help take biathlon to the next level" by leveraging USSS's robust commercial program.

Expanded Ambitions and Past Governance Clashes

The push into biathlon—a winter discipline combining cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship—represents the latest chapter in USSS’s aggressive expansion strategy. Following a failed attempt to become the national governing body for surfing and an ongoing effort to incorporate skateboarding, USSS is seeking to consolidate another Olympic discipline under its umbrella.

USSS’s attempt last year to take control of surfing proved highly controversial, sparking widespread opposition from surfing organizations and the general public. Both the World Surf League (WSL) and the International Surfing Association (ISA) voiced support for USA Surfing after it was forced to abdicate control amid financial and governance issues. USSS ultimately withdrew its bid, citing "public attacks and uninformed legal threats instead of constructive dialogue and engagement" from the rival group.

Brand Autonomy Promised Amid Community Pushback

The bid for biathlon has generated similar friction within the sport’s core community.

"The overwhelming consensus is that everyone is terrified of destroying the long-term future of the organization for possible short-term financial gain," wrote biathletes Jon Schafer and Marc Sheppard in an analysis of the proposed merger.

Addressing these concerns, U.S. Biathlon released a statement emphasizing that the sport would maintain its core legal and brand identity under the arrangement:

"U.S. Biathlon will retain its authority and responsibilities under the Ted Stevens Act, with the U.S. Biathlon Board continuing as the governing body responsible for governance of the sport of biathlon in the United States," the organization stated.

"U.S. Biathlon will retain ownership and use of its brand assets, including its marks and intellectual property, while enabling U.S. Ski & Snowboard to assist with the creation of additional revenue through its extensive commercial program. This structure will preserve the U.S. Biathlon identity while creating additional revenue opportunities to support our athletes and the growth and sustainability of the sport."

Decision Delayed as Board Demands Specifics

Following intense debate and pushback from athletes and members during recent town halls, the U.S. Biathlon Board of Directors voted to delay a final decision.

While the board expressed support for the general principles of an operating alliance, members voted to establish a working group to draft a more definitive agreement ensuring governance autonomy for biathlon. A refined proposal is expected to be presented by late August 2026.

For its part, U.S. Biathlon has stressed that it would preserve its independence under any merger. In a press release, the organization said it would retain its authority and responsibilities under the Ted Stevens Act, with the U.S. Biathlon Board continuing to serve as the sport's governing body in the United States. The organization added that it would keep ownership of its brand, trademarks, and intellectual property, while USSS would help generate additional revenue through its commercial program — a structure USBA said is intended to preserve its identity while creating new financial support for athletes and the sport's long-term growth.