Trump Administration Developing Executive Order on NIL Since Spring 2025 With National Standards; Lawmakers Involved, College Sports Leaders Unaware

The White House under President Donald Trump has been working on a potential executive order to govern Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes. This effort, reportedly ongoing since spring 2025, aims to establish national standards for NIL, with speculation that it may focus on ensuring college athletes are not classified as employees. While lawmakers will need to be involved for comprehensive NIL legislation, the executive order could serve as an interim measure. However, college sports leaders, including those at the SEC Media Days and other prominent figures, remain largely unaware of the specifics of Trump's plan and have expressed caution about the potential impact of the executive order. The debate around NIL also includes questions about the legality of collectives sharing entrance fees with recruited athletes, which could influence the future of NIL collectives and their operations.