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President Donald Trump is set to hold a new round of White House discussions this week focused on the future of college sports, as pressure mounts for national standards governing athlete compensation, transfers and eligibility.
The meetings are part of the administration’s broader push to address what officials describe as an increasingly unstable landscape shaped by name, image and likeness payments, known as NIL. College leaders have warned that the current system has become fragmented and financially burdensome, prompting calls for federal involvement.
The talks follow an April 3 executive order issued by the president directing federal agencies to support clearer rules for athlete compensation, movement between schools and eligibility standards. The order also urged Congress to pursue legislation establishing a more uniform national framework.
Administration officials have said the executive action will serve as a foundation for this week’s discussions, which are expected to explore additional steps, including potential federal legislation.
For the first time in the White House-led effort, roughly 30 college athletes from multiple sports are expected to participate in the meetings. Previous discussions had largely been limited to conference commissioners, coaches and school administrators.
The issue has evolved rapidly since the NCAA v. Alston decision in 2021, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that NCAA limits on certain forms of athlete compensation could be challenged under antitrust law. The ruling accelerated changes to the longstanding amateurism model and opened the door for athletes to earn money through endorsements and sponsorships.
While NIL opportunities have expanded significantly, they have also intensified concerns about competitive balance, particularly between programs with major financial backing and those with fewer resources.
The White House has emphasized that the issue extends beyond top-tier football and basketball programs, warning that continued instability could strain smaller athletic departments and threaten other sports.
Lawmakers have examined the issue in multiple hearings but have yet to pass comprehensive legislation. Proposals such as the SCORE Act, which aims to standardize NIL rules nationwide, have stalled in Congress.
