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The U.S. Biathlon Association has operated as its own independent governing body since its founding in 1980. But now, the sport’s board will vote on Wednesday to decide whether to keep its independence or merge with the much larger U.S. Ski and Snowboard (USSS) to boost funding and generate long-term development.
Under its current independent model, U.S. Biathlon is faltering. Not only has it failed to secure an Olympic medal, but its financial situation is becoming increasingly dire. Because of the sport’s small size, it heavily relies on funding from biathlon’s global governing body, the International Biathlon Union. It also relies on funding from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which plans to cut its funding by 22%, according to U.S. Biathlon CEO Jack Gierhart.
If approved, it will mark a rare merger of Olympic organizations within the United States. The two had begun merger talks in March following the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, in which Team USA was unable to secure a biathlon medal, according to the Associated Press.
“We feel that we can help take biathlon to the next level,” USSS CEO Sophie Goldschmidt told the Associated Press.
Concern With Nordic Combined
While the idea is that the USSS brings funding and hopeful future Olympic success to U.S. Biathlon, some biathlon athletes have expressed concerns about the merger. Their concern mainly stems from the fact that the USSS had recently defunded Nordic combined — another dual-discipline sport.
Nordic combined had been in a similar situation to U.S. Biathlon. In 2007, USA Nordic was founded to support Nordic combined and ski jumping and ensure the survival and success of both sports. To support Nordic combined athletes, USA Nordic received funding from its Norwegian counterpart, Norges Hopplandslaget. But in 2024, due to severe budget shortfalls, USA Nordic lost its funding from Norges Hopplandslaget and was forced to drop funding entirely for Nordic combined.
Biathletes worry that biathlon will find itself in a similar situation if merged. It would have to compete with larger, more popular sports like Alpine skiing, and they believe decisions would come from leadership who do not understand the sport. But according to U.S. Biathlon’s Strategic Alliance Information, the merger would protect the interests of biathletes and the sport.
“Under the terms being discussed, 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 Strategic Alliance Information reads.
A Combined Commercial Program
If approved, the USSS would assist U.S. Biathlon in creating additional revenue through its commercial program that includes corporate partnerships, media integrations, and broadcast campaigns. The plan also details that U.S. Biathlon would retain ownership of its brand assets, social media channels, and intellectual property.
Beyond the potential commercial benefits, biathletes are still concerned that the merger is a short-term solution for a larger problem. Biathletes Jon Schafer and Marc Sheppard interviewed people in biathlon and cross-country ski communities, and many described their worries.
“The overwhelming consensus is that everyone is terrified of destroying the long-term future of the organization for possible short-term financial gain,” they wrote, according to Inside The Games.
Potential Legal Issues
According to ESPN, US Biathlon has held town halls, athlete meetings and working groups to discuss the merger. But a complaint was recently filed with the US Biathlon ethics committee against board chair Bob Hall, claiming he “improperly hosted meetings on the merger without notifying members.” They also alleged that Dexter Paine has a conflict of interest because he sits on the board of both organizations.
The 1978 Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act could act as an obstacle as well. It outlines that a national governing body such as USSS and U.S. Biathlon cannot be overseen by multiple international federations. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) oversees USSS, and the International Biathlon Union oversees U.S. Biathlon. The merger would force the FIS to oversee a sport tied to the International Biathlon Union, which the act prohibits.
However, the USSS does not seem phased by the legislation. It has already tried to reel in USA Surfing and is currently working to take over USA Skateboarding.
Wednesday’s vote could potentially reshape the future of biathlon in the States. And when the decision is made, it will determine whether the sport will continue on its own or as a part of one of the country’s largest governing bodies.
