Urgent National Action to Save College Sports

Key Points

• The order targets what it calls an out-of-control financial arms race in college football and basketball, threatening schools with the loss of federal contracts and grants if they violate new national athletic rules. This is a powerful enforcement tool because many major universities depend on billions in federal research funding.
• Schools that get federal money are banned from using those funds for athlete NIL payments, revenue-sharing payments, or coaching compensation. The order also targets 'fraudulent NIL schemes' where athletes are paid above fair market value just to recruit them to a particular school, including through booster collectives.
• The policy pushes for a five-year eligibility limit for college athletes, with exceptions for military or missionary service. Students can generally transfer once with immediate eligibility, or a second time only after earning a four-year degree. These rules take effect August 1, 2026.
• These rules apply only to colleges and universities generating at least $20 million per year in athletic revenue, targeting the biggest programs. Schools that break the rules risk suspension or debarment from federal contracts and grants, which could be devastating for research universities.
• The Attorney General is directed to take legal action against state laws that conflict with national athletic governing body rules, arguing these laws violate the Constitution's Commerce Clause or Contracts Clause. The goal is to replace a patchwork of state laws with one consistent national framework.
• The order also calls for medical care for athletes injured during college sports, a national agent registry, and protections from excessive agent commissions. It requires schools to report roster sizes and how much they spend on men's vs. women's athletic aid.

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