The threat of cutting funding to financially struggling schools that fail to comply is serious, even if the implementation of the stricter rules from the executive order he signed on Friday may take time to establish.
In the order signed just before the start of the women’s Final Four, Trump targeted issues related to eligibility rules, transfers, and the soaring costs associated with a sector that now compensates its players millions annually.
He urged federal agencies to ensure schools adhere to these regulations and warned of withholding federal grants and funding — a strategy his administration has previously employed to prompt universities nationwide to change policies concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, transgender rights, and the types of courses offered.
In some respects, enforcing these changes may seem simpler compared to the significant reforms needed in college sports. The NCAA, the newly established College Sports Commission, the four major conferences, many smaller ones, and hundreds of educational institutions all play a role: This complexity is a key reason Congress, which Trump urged to act swiftly, has been stalled for over a year.
“I’m pleased to see the President’s desire for Congress to pass something,” remarked Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., a prominent member of the Senate committee examining potential changes, who noted ongoing bipartisan discussions.
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Trump’s order marks his second since last July and includes a comprehensive list of proposed changes, many of which lawmakers and college leaders have advocated for following the approval of a USD 2.8 billion settlement that transformed the nature of games once played by amateur athletes.
Among the clearer demands in this order, Trump requested “clear, consistent and fair eligibility limits, including a five-year participation window,” restricting athletes to one transfer, with a further opportunity after completing a four-year degree.
“I’m very supportive of the President’s order,” stated Cody Campbell, a Texas Tech regent and billionaire involved in shaping policy. “I’m thrilled about the progress we’re making and look forward to continued efforts in Congress to maintain a system that has contributed so much to America.”
At a college sports roundtable he organized last month, Trump acknowledged that any order he signed could lead to legal challenges. Athletes have largely gained the freedom to transfer freely via the portal, along with the ability to receive compensation from schools, which are now providing more than USD 20 million annually to their athletes.
Some players have also initiated lawsuits against the NCAA regarding eligibility limits, and their right to do so has been a significant point of contention in Congressional discussions.
Trump highlighted the necessity of revising revenue-sharing to safeguard Olympic sports, which stand to suffer the most if the college funding model deteriorates.
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Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, stated that Trump’s order “sends an important signal about valuing and promoting investment in women’s and men’s collegiate Olympic sports in America.”
In addition to the reforms he advocates, Trump’s directive for the Education Department, the Federal Trade Commission, and the attorney general’s office to assess “whether violations of such rules make a university unfit for Federal grants and contracts” stands out as a method to compel change.
Numerous universities across the nation have made policy adjustments to adhere to federal orders and avert funding disputes with the government. However, it hasn’t stopped prominent institutions like Penn State and Florida State from incurring significant debts.
“From what I observed on social media, it’s evident he emphasized the need for Congressional action to finalize several matters, which is beneficial, as we do,” NCAA President Charlie Baker noted.
Commissioners from the Atlantic Coast and Southeastern Conferences expressed gratitude to Trump for his input, with the ACC’s Jim Phillips stating, “There continues to be significant momentum in preserving the athletic and academic opportunities for future generations of student-athletes, and we appreciate the ongoing efforts.”
Attorney Mit Winter, who specializes in college sports law, indicated that the order could lead to a scenario where the NCAA and schools must choose between complying with a federal court ruling or an executive order.
“In any case, we are likely to witness litigation contesting the EO from athletes and third parties,” Winter added.
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University of Nebraska president Jeffrey Gold expressed reluctance to predict the courts’ response.
“However, it’s crucial for us to align college athletics with our objectives,” Gold remarked. “The recent roundtable highlighted a pressing urgency around this.”
