House Bill 3398 would create the Mountaineer Games Sports League (MGSL) as a new state-established sports program intended to promote physical activity, wellness, and organized recreational sports for West Virginia residents, especially adults. The bill states legislative findings that physical activity improves health and can reduce long-term healthcare costs, and it frames the league as a low-cost or no-cost opportunity for residents to participate in sports.
The bill establishes a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent to manage the league. The board would be responsible for adopting rules, setting the league’s structure and seasons, recruiting partners and volunteers, identifying funding sources, and helping develop shared-use agreements for sports facilities. The league would be built around affiliates such as colleges, universities, and community and technical colleges, though other local organizations could apply to participate.
Impact
HB3398 would add a new article to Chapter 18B of the West Virginia Code and create a new state entity and governance structure for a statewide adult and collegiate sports league. It would authorize the board to coordinate competitions, partnerships, facility access, and promotional efforts, and it would require participating affiliates to organize divisions for high school, adult open, masters, and college competition. The bill also directs West Virginia University and Marshall University to schedule one annual matchup between each school-sponsored athletic team beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, branded as the Mountaineer Games Governor’s Cup.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text, the measure is presented in a strongly supportive and promotional tone, emphasizing health, wellness, access, and community partnerships. There is no recorded committee testimony or vote history in the provided materials, so no direct opposition or support from legislators or stakeholders is available. The overall sentiment reflected in the bill is affirmative toward expanding sports participation and using state institutions to encourage it.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the creation of a new state board and program, the use of state institutions and public resources to administer it, and the mandate that WVU and Marshall schedule annual games. The bill also raises possible questions about cost, administrative burden, and whether the state should be involved in organizing sports leagues for adults and other groups. Because no committee transcripts or votes are provided, no specific opponents or supporters are identified in the available record.
Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Higher Education Policy Commission, Higher Education Policy Commission – Administration – Control Account
Expiring funds to the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, from the Department Revenue, State Budget Office, PEIA Rainy Day Fund