President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at establishing federal regulations concerning name, image, and likeness (NIL) in college athletics. This initiative comes in response to increasing worries that unchecked booster expenditures and varying state NIL regulations have undermined fair competition. According to the White House fact sheet, the order intends to protect scholarships, support women’s and non-revenue sports, and clarify the employment status of student-athletes.
What changes does Donald Trump seek to implement in college sports through his NIL and pay-for-play initiative?
President Donald Trump has introduced the “Saving College Sports” executive order, which explicitly prohibits third-party “pay for play” NIL payments to college athletes, while still permitting endorsements at fair market value from brands.
The order mandates that athletic departments generating $125 million or more in revenue during the 2024-25 season must increase scholarships and roster positions in women’s and non-revenue sports.
Departments with revenues between $50 million and $125 million are required to at least maintain their current level of support, while those earning less than $50 million must not reduce opportunities for non-revenue sports.
Donald Trump collaborates with Charlie Baker and Congress to reform college sports and athlete classification laws.
NCAA President Charlie Baker remarked on July 24 at an event in Washington, indicating that the NCAA is receptive to executive proposals but emphasized that substantial change requires legislative action: “our focus needs to be on the legislative process.” He advocates for clearer regulations through Congress rather than relying solely on executive orders.
On the same day, House committee leaders, Representatives Brett Guthrie, Tim Walberg, and Jim Jordan commended the executive order and announced that the SCORE Act, a bill aimed at reinforcing NIL and antitrust protections, will progress in the upcoming fall session.
They expressed gratitude, stating: “We thank President Trump for his commitment to supporting student athletes and strengthening college athletics in the NIL era.”
The order also instructed U.S. officials, including the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and other relevant departments, to take action.
They expressed gratitude, stating: “We appreciate President Trump for his dedication to aiding student athletes and enhancing college athletics during the NIL era.”
The directive also instructed U.S. officials, including the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services, as well as the chair of the FTC, to clarify the employment status of athletes and to utilize regulatory or legal mechanisms to ensure stability in college sports. Numerous legal experts are skeptical about the enduring effects of the order in the absence of congressional support.
