Donald Trump signs NIL executive order to stop pay-for-play in college sports and protect scholarships | International Sports News
On July 24, 2025 in Washington, President Donald Trump signed a new executive order. It aims to bring federal rules around name, image and likeness (NIL) in college sports. The move follows growing concern that uncontrolled booster spending and state-by-state NIL laws have disrupted fair competition. The White House fact sheet says the order seeks to protect scholarships, women’s and non‑revenue sports, and clarify whether student‑athletes count as employees or not.
What Donald Trump wants to change in college sports with his NIL and pay-for-play decision
On July 24, 2025 in Washington, President Donald Trump issued the “Saving College Sports” executive order. It explicitly bans third‑party “pay‑for‑play” NIL payments to college athletes, while still allowing fair‑market value endorsements from brands.The White House states that booster payments used to recruit athletes threaten competitive balance and siphon resources from smaller sports programs.The order requires athletic departments with $125 million or more in revenue during the 2024‑25 season to expand scholarships and roster spots in women’s and non‑revenue sports. Departments earning between $50 million and $125 million must at least maintain current support, and those below $50 million must not cut opportunities for non‑revenue sports.
Donald Trump joins Charlie Baker and Congress in reshaping college sports and athlete status laws
NCAA President Charlie Baker commented on July 24 at a Washington event, saying the NCAA is open to executive ideas but stressed that real change needs lawmakers: “our focus needs to be on the legislative process.” He supports clearer rules via Congress, not just executive orders.That same day, House committee leaders,Reps. Brett Guthrie, Tim Walberg and Jim Jordan praised the order and said the SCORE Act, a bill to reinforce NIL and antitrust protections, will move forward in the fall session. They stated: “We thank President Trump for his commitment to supporting student‑athletes and strengthening college athletics in the NIL era.”The order also told U.S. officials including the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services and the FTC chair to define athlete employment status and use regulatory or legal tools to support stability in college sports. Many legal experts question how much lasting impact the order will have without congressional backing.
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FAQs
1. What does Donald Trump’s NIL executive order mean for college athletes?It bans pay-for-play deals but still allows fair brand endorsements for student-athletes.2. Will Trump’s executive order affect college sports scholarships?Yes, it aims to protect and expand scholarships, especially in women’s and non-revenue sports.3. Is pay-for-play now illegal under Trump’s NIL order?Yes, the order stops colleges from using third-party money to recruit athletes unfairly.
