President Donald Trump, on April 3, issued an executive order that aims to regulate NIL and the transfer portal in college sports. Admitting that he knew the order would be challenged in court, Trump issued the order as the 2025-26 college basketball season comes to a close, marking several years of organized chaos in college athletics at the highest levels, especially in football and basketball.
Trump’s order, which can be read here, aims to install a five-year participation window for all athletes and limit the number of available transfers. It also addresses NIL payments and fan collectives, as well as eligibility. Many national pundits have called the move a step in the right direction, saying it will force conversations to be had at the national level.
Arkansas men’s basketball coach John Calipari took to X to endorse the move.
Most of the content of the order will go into effect on Aug. 1.
“Agencies shall immediately begin work to ensure that appropriate regulatory or policymaking measures will be in place by the effective date so that the requirements of the operative sections can be implemented as soon after the effective date as possible,” the order reads.
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