The college sports world is about to get massive political drama. Former President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to drop a sweeping executive order that could reshape everything from NIL deals to athlete employment status. The move has already sparked fierce backlash from legal experts telling him to back off.
What Does Trump’s Executive Order Actually Propose?
A draft of the order, obtained by Yahoo Sports, reveals bold proposals to shield the NCAA from legal threats, clarify athlete employment status, and promote federal uniformity over NIL laws. However, legal experts and athlete advocates are already pushing back hard with one top attorney saying plainly: “Step back, Mr. President.”
From the EO draft obtained by @YahooSports: “The inability to maintain rules at all — in an environment where they can be eliminated through individual litigation — will destroy what Americans recognize today as college sports.”https://t.co/ReObnsbVMB https://t.co/SDDvcSn2cf pic.twitter.com/cIttjmFphQ
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 17, 2025
The leaked draft, titled “SAVING COLLEGE SPORTS,” outlines Trump’s intention to reshape the landscape of college athletics. The plan calls for directing his Cabinet to roll out policies affecting antitrust protection, scholarship security, and Olympic sport participation.
According to Yahoo Sports, the seven-page document recommends that the attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission shield college leaders from antitrust law and block “unscrupulous agents” from influencing athletes.
The proposal also calls for the National Labor Relations Board and the Secretary of Education to reaffirm that college athletes are students, not employees.
Though not final, the draft mirrors Trump’s long-stated views and signals a broader effort to federalize control of college sports amid growing state-led NIL variations. There is no official word on when the executive order might be enacted or if it will move forward, but the backlash is already loud and clear.
Why Are Legal Experts Fighting Back So Hard?
Steve Berman, co-lead plaintiff attorney in the ongoing House antitrust lawsuit, harshly criticized the executive order in a statement to Yahoo Sports. His response was blunt and direct.
“Plain and simple, college athletes don’t need Trump’s help,” Berman said. “Let them make their own deals.”
Berman emphasized that the Supreme Court, including Trump’s own appointee, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, ruled the NCAA’s old compensation model unconstitutional. “Why give them immunity, Mr. President, in light of that ruling?” he asked.
Critics of the proposed executive order argue that it ignores athletes’ growing empowerment through NIL rights and legal victories. Instead, they say it gives the NCAA more power to limit compensation, the very thing athletes have fought to win.
Legal observers say Trump’s move could undermine existing momentum toward athlete revenue sharing and greater autonomy.
What Happens Next in This Political Battle?
Despite the backlash, Trump continues to insert himself into the conversation around college sports. Recently, he golfed with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua, signaling ongoing interest in the space.
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Meanwhile, legal negotiations over the House settlement continue. This settlement would allow schools to pay athletes directly rather than funnel funds through NIL collectives, but those talks remain fragile.
With no guarantee the executive order will ever become law, Trump’s involvement adds a political twist to an already heated debate. Whether seen as a savior or an intruder, Trump’s move has thrown gasoline on the fire surrounding the future of college athletics.
