WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a White House roundtable, President Trump called for a dramatic reversal in college sports, urging a return to the era before athletes could profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). He likened the task to putting toothpaste back in a tube, acknowledging its difficulty but expressing determination.
Trump announced plans for a comprehensive executive order intended to reinstate policies from the pre-NIL period, expecting it to face legal challenges. He criticized court rulings, including a unanimous Supreme Court decision, that paved the way for athlete compensation and the current unregulated market.
The lengthy meeting highlighted deep divisions. College leaders described a "runaway financial train" and warned of a "point of no return," with lawsuits straining resources. Meanwhile, a separate bipartisan Senate effort emerged to amend sports broadcasting laws, allowing conferences to consolidate media rights for more revenue.
Legislative paths remain uncertain. While Republican leaders expressed confidence in passing the SCORE Act in the House, which would grant antitrust protection to the NCAA, a steep climb awaits in the Senate where bipartisan support is lacking. The president himself expressed skepticism about congressional compromise, opting instead for executive action to force a legal showdown.