Saving College Sports – Presidential Actions

7/24/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose & Importance: Emphasizes the critical role of college sports in providing educational, leadership, and economic benefits; highlights the unique contribution to Olympic success and future national leadership.
Threats to Collegiate Athletics: Identifies challenges arising from litigation that removed limits on athlete compensation, pay-for-play inducements, and transfer rules, creating a system where bidding wars and resource imbalances threaten non-revenue and women’s sports.
Policy Objectives:
- Preservation & Expansion: Directs efforts to preserve and expand opportunities in women’s and non-revenue sports using revised scholarship and roster limits based on athletic department revenues.
- Guardrails on Compensation: Prohibits third-party pay-for-play payments that deviate from fair market value and jeopardize the educational and developmental mission of college athletics.
Implementation Responsibilities:
- Requires the Secretary of Education, in consultation with other key officials, to develop a regulatory and enforcement plan within 30 days.
- Mandates the Secretary of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board to clarify student-athlete status to maximize educational benefits.
- Directs the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to stabilize college athletics through litigation and policy actions within 60 days.
Support for U.S. Olympic Team Development: Instructs coordination with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to safeguard the collegiate system that contributes to American international athletic success.
General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not impair existing executive authorities, is subject to appropriations, and includes standard legal and publication-related provisions.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to preserve and expand college sports, particularly non-revenue and women’s sports, which could lead to increased regulatory oversight and compliance requirements for Vanderbilt University.
There is a risk of financial strain as universities with significant athletic revenue are expected to increase scholarships and roster spots for non-revenue sports, potentially diverting resources from other areas.
The prohibition of third-party pay-for-play payments could impact the recruitment and retention of top athletes, as universities must navigate new compensation structures while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines.
Legal protections for college athletics from lawsuits may reduce litigation risks but could also lead to increased scrutiny and potential challenges in aligning with federal policies.
Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its athletic programs and funding strategies to align with the new federal policies and ensure compliance with Title IX and other regulations.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt Athletics Department will need to evaluate its current scholarship and roster allocations to ensure compliance with the new Executive Order, particularly for non-revenue sports.
The Office of Financial Aid may need to adjust its strategies to accommodate changes in athletic scholarships and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Legal and Compliance Teams at Vanderbilt will play a crucial role in navigating the new regulatory landscape and ensuring that the university’s policies align with federal guidelines.
The Office of Community Engagement could be involved in supporting local sports initiatives and ensuring that Vanderbilt’s athletic programs contribute positively to the community.

Financial Impact

The requirement to increase scholarships and roster spots for non-revenue sports could lead to increased financial commitments for Vanderbilt, necessitating a reevaluation of budget allocations.
Potential changes in revenue-sharing models and the prohibition of third-party pay-for-play payments may impact the financial dynamics of Vanderbilt’s athletic programs.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources or partnerships to support its athletic programs and ensure compliance with the new federal policies.
There could be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure federal support or grants aimed at preserving and expanding collegiate athletics, particularly in non-revenue sports.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt Athletics Department should evaluate its current revenue and scholarship distribution to ensure compliance with the executive order’s requirements for non-revenue sports. This includes increasing scholarship opportunities and maximizing roster spots for non-revenue sports if the department’s revenue exceeds $125 million.
The Office of Federal Relations should engage with the Department of Education and other relevant federal agencies to stay informed about the development of regulatory and enforcement plans related to the executive order. This will help Vanderbilt align its policies with federal guidelines and anticipate any changes in funding or compliance requirements.
Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should monitor ongoing litigation and legal developments related to college athletics, particularly those concerning antitrust issues and third-party pay-for-play payments. This will be crucial in adapting to any new legal frameworks that may impact the university’s athletic programs.
The Department of Human and Organizational Development could explore research opportunities on the impact of collegiate athletics on leadership development and educational outcomes. This research can provide valuable insights and support the university’s advocacy for the educational benefits of college sports.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Student Affairs should work with the Athletics Department to ensure that student-athletes receive the necessary support and resources to maximize their educational and developmental benefits, in line with the executive order’s emphasis on preserving these opportunities.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to enhance its reputation by expanding its support for non-revenue sports, particularly women’s sports, which aligns with the administration’s policy goals. This could include developing new programs, facilities, and partnerships to support these sports.
By actively participating in discussions with federal agencies and other universities, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in shaping the future of college athletics. This involvement can lead to increased visibility and influence in national policy discussions.
The emphasis on preserving the educational benefits of college sports offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to conduct research and provide thought leadership on the role of athletics in higher education. This can enhance the college’s academic profile and contribute to policy development.
Vanderbilt can leverage its strong athletic programs to attract top talent and increase its competitiveness in collegiate sports, particularly by aligning its strategies with the executive order’s focus on maintaining fairness and balance in college athletics.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order necessitates major process changes in Vanderbilt’s athletic programs to comply with new federal guidelines and capitalize on opportunities for expansion and leadership in college sports.)

Average Relevance Score: 4

Timeline for Implementation

Within 30 days of the date of this order (i.e., by approximately August 23, 2025), the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Education, and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, is required to develop a plan to advance the policy measures.
Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission must review and, as necessary, revise litigation positions, guidelines, policies, or other actions, and develop a plan for future measures.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Education: The order directs the Secretary of Education to develop and coordinate a plan with other agencies regarding collegiate athletics policies and scholarship opportunities.
Department of Health and Human Services: The Secretary of Health and Human Services is consulted as part of implementing policies related to collegiate sports and athlete compensation.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC, through its Chairman, is tasked with developing enforcement guidelines and litigation strategies to protect college athletics, particularly in curbing illegal pay-for-play practices.
Department of Justice (Attorney General): The Attorney General is called upon to work with the FTC to protect the legal framework surrounding collegiate sports, ensuring compliance with antitrust and other statutory safeguards.
Department of Labor: The Secretary of Labor, along with the National Labor Relations Board, is charged with clarifying the status of collegiate athletes to maximize their educational benefits.
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): In conjunction with the Department of Labor, the NLRB is involved in determining appropriate measures regarding student-athlete status.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The order reaffirms that actions taken must align with budgetary and administrative processes overseen by the OMB.
White House Offices: Both the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and the Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison are involved, particularly in consultations with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee regarding the development of elite athletes.

Relevance Score: 3 (Multiple federal agencies across various executive departments are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Education – Charged with developing, within 30 days, a comprehensive plan to advance policies that enhance scholarship opportunities and protect collegiate athletic integrity.
Attorney General – Collaborates on multiple sections by advising on regulatory, enforcement, and litigation actions to stabilize college athletics and protect student-athlete interests.
Secretary of Health and Human Services – Consulted to help shape the regulatory framework that supports the preservation and expansion of collegiate athletic opportunities.
Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission – Works in tandem with the Attorney General to implement litigation and policy steps safeguarding college sports and to eliminate improper third-party pay-for-play payments.
Secretary of Labor – Responsible for determining and implementing measures to clarify the status of collegiate athletes to maximize educational benefits.
National Labor Relations Board – Paired with the Secretary of Labor in implementing appropriate actions regarding the status and rights of collegiate athletes.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Tasked with consulting relevant athletic organizations to protect the development of the United States Olympic team through collegiate sports.
Director, White House Office of Public Liaison – Engaged in coordinating with sports bodies and other stakeholders to safeguard college athletics and its role in national athletic success.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives involve high-level Cabinet officials and key White House positions, impacting senior leadership and national policy implementation.)