N※N

Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : ESPN
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : ESPN
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Trump issues executive order for college sports

Trump Signs Executive Order Aiming to Clarify Employment Status of NCAA Athletes

WASHINGTON -- In a move that could reshape the landscape of college athletics, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday directing federal agencies to provide clearer guidelines on whether NCAA athletes should be classified as employees. The order, which comes amid ongoing legal battles and debates over athlete compensation, seeks to address what the administration describes as "ambiguities" in labor laws that have left universities, athletes, and governing bodies in limbo.

The executive action instructs the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to review and issue guidance within 90 days on the employment status of college athletes. Specifically, it calls for an evaluation of factors such as control over athletes' schedules, the provision of scholarships, and revenue generated by athletic programs. Trump's order emphasizes protecting the "amateur" nature of college sports while ensuring athletes are not exploited, a balancing act that has long divided stakeholders in the multibillion-dollar industry.

"This is about fairness and clarity," Trump said during a signing ceremony at the White House, flanked by former college athletes and coaches. "Our great college athletes work hard, they entertain millions, and they deserve to know where they stand. We're going to cut through the red tape and make sure everyone plays by the rules." The president, a vocal supporter of college sports and a frequent attendee at high-profile games, framed the order as a response to what he called "radical left" efforts to unionize athletes and turn college sports into a professional enterprise.

The order arrives at a pivotal moment for the NCAA, which has faced mounting pressure from lawsuits, congressional scrutiny, and shifting public opinion. For decades, the organization has maintained that athletes are students first, not employees, a stance that has shielded it from obligations like minimum wage payments, workers' compensation, and collective bargaining rights. However, recent developments have challenged this model. In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in NCAA v. Alston that the association's restrictions on education-related benefits violated antitrust laws, opening the door to broader compensation reforms.

More recently, the advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals has allowed athletes to profit from endorsements, sponsorships, and personal branding, generating millions in revenue for top stars in football, basketball, and other sports. Yet, NIL has not resolved underlying questions about employment status. A landmark case before the NLRB involves Dartmouth College basketball players seeking to form a union, arguing that their rigorous training schedules, travel demands, and revenue contributions make them akin to employees. Similarly, a $2.8 billion settlement in the House v. NCAA antitrust lawsuit, approved earlier this year, will distribute funds to former athletes and pave the way for direct payments from schools, but it stops short of granting employee status.

Trump's order explicitly references these cases, directing agencies to consider how employment classification might affect Title IX compliance, scholarship funding, and the overall structure of intercollegiate athletics. Administration officials argue that without federal intervention, inconsistent court rulings could lead to a patchwork of state laws, disadvantaging smaller programs and creating chaos in recruiting and competition.

Reactions to the order were swift and polarized, reflecting the deep divisions in the college sports world. NCAA President Charlie Baker issued a statement welcoming the push for clarity but cautioning against measures that could "undermine the educational mission" of college athletics. "We appreciate the president's attention to this issue and look forward to working with the administration to preserve the unique student-athlete experience," Baker said. However, critics, including athlete advocacy groups, accused the order of being a thinly veiled attempt to stifle unionization efforts.

"This executive order is a direct attack on athletes' rights," said Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association. "By seeking to 'clarify' that athletes aren't employees, the Trump administration is siding with the NCAA's exploitative model. Athletes generate billions for their schools—they deserve the protections that come with employee status, including fair pay and health benefits." Huma pointed to studies showing that Division I football and basketball players often dedicate 40-50 hours per week to their sports, far exceeding typical part-time work, while facing risks of injury without adequate safeguards.

On Capitol Hill, the order has reignited calls for comprehensive legislation. Bipartisan efforts, such as the College Athlete Economic Freedom Act proposed by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), have stalled in recent years, but Trump's move could spur renewed action. Tuberville, a former college football coach, praised the order as a "step in the right direction" to protect amateurism, while Murphy criticized it as "political theater" that delays real reform.

The broader implications of the order extend beyond the courtroom and into the fabric of American sports culture. College athletics, particularly football and men's basketball, form a economic powerhouse, with the NCAA reporting over $1 billion in annual revenue from March Madness alone. Classifying athletes as employees could trigger seismic changes: schools might face payroll taxes, overtime requirements, and union negotiations, potentially leading to cuts in non-revenue sports like swimming or track and field to balance budgets. Proponents of employee status argue it would address inequities, such as the disproportionate impact on athletes from low-income backgrounds, many of whom are people of color.

Historical context underscores the order's significance. The debate over athlete compensation dates back to the early 20th century, but it intensified in the 2010s with high-profile lawsuits like O'Bannon v. NCAA, which challenged the use of athletes' likenesses in video games without pay. The NIL era, ushered in by state laws and NCAA policy changes in 2021, has created a new class of athlete-entrepreneurs—think LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne or former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who inked deals worth millions. Yet, for every success story, there are athletes navigating a unregulated marketplace rife with exploitation, from shady agents to unequal opportunities based on gender and sport.

Trump's involvement adds a layer of political intrigue. During his first term, he weighed in on college sports issues, including anthem protests and conference realignments, often aligning with conservative views on maintaining tradition. His reelection campaign highlighted promises to "protect American sports," and this order fits that narrative, appealing to voters in football-crazed states like Texas, Alabama, and Ohio. Detractors, however, see it as an overreach, potentially conflicting with ongoing judicial processes. Legal experts note that executive orders can influence agency interpretations but may not override court decisions, setting the stage for further litigation.

As the 90-day review period begins, stakeholders are bracing for impact. Universities, already grappling with conference shakeups like the expansion of the Big Ten and SEC, must now prepare for potential shifts in labor dynamics. Athletes, empowered by social media and advocacy networks, are increasingly vocal. "We've been fighting for this for years," said one anonymous Power Five football player. "If we're not employees, why do we feel like we're working a full-time job without the benefits?"

The order also touches on international aspects, as many college athletes are foreign students on visas, complicating employment classifications under immigration law. Moreover, it could influence professional leagues, with the NFL and NBA relying on college programs as de facto minor leagues.

In the end, Trump's executive order represents a bold intervention in a debate that has simmered for generations. Whether it brings the clarity it promises or merely fuels more controversy remains to be seen. As one sports law professor put it, "This could be the spark that finally forces Congress to act, or it could entrench the status quo." For now, the eyes of the sports world are on Washington, waiting to see how this play unfolds.

(Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/45817663/donald-trump-signs-order-seeks-clarify-ncaa-athletes-employment-status ]