President Trump issued an executive order to protect college sports and ensure their continued viability amidst unprecedented threats from litigation and revenue-seeking lawsuits. The order aims to safeguard the special American institution of college sports, which provide life-changing educational and leadership-development opportunities to over 500,000 student-athletes.
The current system is under threat due to waves of recent litigation that have eliminated limits on athlete compensation, pay-for-play recruiting inducements, and transfers between universities. This has created an out-of-control bidding war for top players, leading to substantial revenue disparities among teams. The order seeks to restore balance and fairness in college sports by implementing guardrails to prevent excessive compensation and promote non-revenue sports.
Key provisions of the order include:
– Colleges must provide more scholarship opportunities in women’s and non-revenue sports, especially for those with significant revenue.
– Revenue-sharing agreements between universities and athletes should prioritize preserving scholarships and collegiate athletic opportunities in women’s and non-revenue sports.
– Third-party pay-for-play payments to athletes are prohibited, except for fair market value compensation for brand endorsements.
The order also emphasizes the importance of protecting student-athlete status and implementing measures to clarify their educational benefits and opportunities. The administration will work with Congress and state governments to advance these policies and stabilize college athletics through litigation, guidelines, and other actions.
By taking a proactive approach to protect college sports, President Trump aims to preserve this unique American institution for future generations of student-athletes.
Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/saving-college-sports