President Donald Trump issued an executive order Thursday, taking aim at unregulated NIL in College Sports. Titled "Saving College Sports," the EO is the first step in creating a cohesive standard for NIL practices around the nation.
President Donald Trump signs NIL focused executive order
There are four important aspects of the EO. The first is the prohibition of Third-party, pay-for-play payments. Next, it orders the Secretary of Education to implement a plan to enforce the policies adopted in the House Settlement. Thirdly, it's aimed at protecting non-revenue and Women's sports. Lastly, it officially rescinded a Biden administration memorandum that viewed college athletes as employees of their institutions.
Trump signed the EO preceding a key piece of legislation making its way through Congress. The SCORE Act would establish a federal standard for NIL rules, eliminating the confusing state-by-state regulations, and is intended to "protect the name, image, and likeness rights of student-athletes to "promote fair compensation with respect to intercollegiate athletics, and for other purposes."
While the SCORE Act and EO essentially do the same thing, the EO is the proactive first step that creates the framework for NIL reform, and the SCORE Act would codify it into law.
NCAA president Charlie Baker released a statement following the EO, thanking the administration and warning about the dangers facing college athletics.
"The Association appreciates the Trump Administration’s focus on the life-changing opportunities college sports provides millions of young people," wrote Baker. "And we look forward to working with student-athletes, a bipartisan coalition in Congress, and the Trump Administration to enhance college sports for years to come.”
"The NCAA is making positive changes for student-athletes and confronting many challenges facing college sports by mandating health and wellness benefits and guaranteeing scholarships, but there are some threats to college sports that federal legislation can effectively address, and the Association is advocating with student-athletes and their schools for a bipartisan solution with Congress and the Administration."
Appears President Trump has signed an executive order on college athletics.
— Mit Winter (@WinterSportsLaw) July 24, 2025
From the fact sheet, it sounds similar to the draft order released last week.
But there is one very important new item.
This says the order “prohibits third-party, pay for play payments” to athletes. pic.twitter.com/JnKwe4NNp0
The EO also came on the heels of the House attorneys reaching a deal with the power conferences to treat collectives associated with a school as legitimate third-party actors regarding NIL deals.