Trump is preparing to make a major move that could change the business of college sports. According to multiple sources, Trump plans to sign an executive order in the coming days that would create national standards for how college athletes can earn money from their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).
Since the NCAA changed its rules in 2021, student athletes have been able to earn money from sponsorships, autographs, jersey sales, social media posts, and more — often raking in millions before even going pro. These NIL opportunities have created a financial boom for top players, but also confusion, as rules vary from state to state.
Trump’s executive order would come as Congress is already pushing its own legislation. A House subcommittee recently advanced the “SCORE Act,” a bill that would also establish national NIL standards, replacing the patchwork of state laws currently in place. While the bill has support from both parties, some lawmakers argue it could give the NCAA too much control and not enough protection for student athletes.
The NCAA’s shift toward allowing NIL deals came after years of political pressure and legal battles. For decades, the organization kept strict limits on athlete compensation, saying the rules preserved the spirit of college sports.
