Urgent National Action To Save College Sports

What it does

• •Directs federal agencies that contract with or grant funds to higher education institutions to evaluate violations of interstate intercollegiate athletic governing body rules (as of August 1, 2026) concerning eligibility limits, transfers, revenue-sharing, and improper financial activities to determine if they affect institutional responsibility.
• •Defines 'improper financial activities' to include fraudulent NIL schemes, use of federal funds for NIL or coach payments, tortious interference with student-athlete contracts, and fraudulent NIL payments above fair market value, while carving out legitimate revenue-sharing and fair market value NIL compensation.
• •Applies to higher education institutions generating at least $20 million annually in intercollegiate athletics revenue (adjusted annually for inflation).
• •Becomes effective August 1, 2026, with agencies to begin immediate regulatory and policymaking work to implement the order.

Why it matters

• •The order addresses what it characterizes as a financial crisis in college athletics, citing examples of major athletic programs carrying hundreds of millions in debt and annual deficits that allegedly threaten women's and Olympic sports programs.
• •The order asserts that university financial stability is a federal interest because universities serve as major research contractors for the Department of War, Department of Health and Human Services, and National Science Foundation.

Who is affected

• •Higher education institutions with at least $20 million in annual intercollegiate athletics revenue (approximately 60-70 major athletic programs).
• •Federal agencies that contract with or provide grants to these institutions.
• •Student-athletes, coaches, and athletic departments at affected institutions.

What happens next

Agencies must begin work immediately to develop regulatory and policymaking measures for implementation by August 1, 2026, when Sections 3 through 6 become effective; Congress is encouraged to pass legislation addressing these issues.