Trump issues executive decree focusing on resolving concerns in the realm of college athletics
In a move to address the major issues plaguing collegiate athletics, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Saving College Sports" on July 24, 2025. The order, aimed at bringing order and stability to college sports, seeks to clarify the employment status of college athletes, provide antitrust protections, and address federal funding related to college sports [1][3][5].
The executive order has been met with mixed reactions. While it has little bipartisan support, it complements ongoing legislative efforts, notably the SCORE Act, which is currently moving through committees in Congress [1][2].
One key aspect of the executive order is the clarification of the employment status of college athletes. The order seeks to prevent them from unionizing or collectively bargaining, addressing ongoing debates about whether NCAA athletes qualify as employees under labor laws [2][4].
Another significant point is the antitrust protections. The order directs federal agencies to devise a plan within 30 days to implement Trump's policy to protect collegiate sports from antitrust challenges, effectively shielding intercollegiate sports officials and the NCAA from certain federal antitrust laws [1].
The order also addresses scholarships and revenue distribution. Athletic departments with revenues exceeding $125 million are required to offer more scholarships in “non-revenue” sports to help maintain competitive balance [1]. Additionally, under this framework, universities can pay athletes up to $20.5 million per year, with increases over the next decade [3].
However, the executive order is not law, and any agency policy decisions could face legal challenges. The order also mentions the need for a national solution to prevent the deterioration of college sports and protect non-revenue sports, including many women's sports [1].
The executive order also prohibits third-party, pay-for-play payments to collegiate athletes, but allows for legitimate, fair-market-value compensation [1]. The order calls on members of Trump's cabinet and other political officials to pursue policy and protections in various areas related to college sports [1].
The antitrust protections and pre-emption of state laws that college sports leaders have been lobbying for need to come from federal law. The threat of federal funding decisions, especially for public institutions, adds another layer of political and operational uncertainty to higher education [1].
The White House hopes to enforce any policies through federal funding decisions, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and other protections. Despite the challenges ahead, NCAA President Charlie Baker appreciates the Trump Administration's focus on college sports and looks forward to working with them to enhance college sports [1].
However, the SCORE Act, which has moved through two House committees, still faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Even if it passes a Republican majority House, it would need at least seven Democrats to support it in the Senate [6]. The article originally appeared in The Athletic [7].
In conclusion, while the executive order signed by Trump does not provide long-term solutions to the issues that have dogged college sports for years, it is a step towards regulating college sports and how athletes are compensated by schools. The future of college sports regulation seems to be shaping up as a combined executive-legislative approach.
College sports might receive antitrust protections through the executive order, as it directs federal agencies to devise a plan within 30 days to shield intercollegiate sports officials and the NCAA from certain federal antitrust laws. Furthermore, the SCORE Act, a legislative initiative, complements the executive order and is currently moving through Congress, hinting at a combined executive-legislative approach in the regulation of education-and-self-development activities like sports.
