The commissioners of the Big Ten, Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, and Big 12 publicly backed President Donald Trump’s latest executive order on college athletics Friday evening, according to statements on social media.
The order directs federal agencies to evaluate whether violations of transfer and eligibility rules should affect schools’ access to federal funding. It also aims to curb pay-for-play schemes facilitated by booster collectives and emphasizes protections for women’s and Olympic sports funding.
Leaders from the conferences expressed appreciation for federal involvement and called for Congress to establish comprehensive national standards. They highlighted issues such as athlete compensation, employment status, and name, image and likeness rules.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti thanked Trump for his leadership and urged Congress to pass legislation addressing these issues. He referenced the bipartisan SCORE Act, which he said would protect athletic and academic opportunities for student-athletes and expand resources for sports programs.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the importance of uniform standards and supported bipartisan efforts to preserve opportunities for student-athletes. Similarly, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark called federal action essential and expressed support for the SCORE Act’s comprehensive framework.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips also expressed gratitude to Trump and his administration, noting ongoing momentum to preserve athletic and academic opportunities. He remains hopeful that the SCORE Act will soon pass the House of Representatives.
The executive order also instructs agencies to evaluate whether violations of transfer and eligibility rules should threaten schools’ eligibility for federal grants and contracts. It enforces a five-year participation window, structured transfer rules, and bans improper financial arrangements such as pay-for-play schemes facilitated by collectives.
Trump’s order follows a roundtable he hosted last month that included sports figures and officials discussing issues like athlete compensation and transfer rules. The SCORE Act, a key focus of that discussion, was scheduled for a vote in December but was postponed amid political disagreements. The White House supports the bill, which seeks to give the NCAA limited antitrust protections and restrict certain NIL payments.
The bill faces opposition from some Republicans and Democrats alike. It also includes provisions to protect non-revenue sports and prevent schools from using student fees for NIL payments. Meanwhile, a recent NCAA settlement will pay nearly $2.8 billion over the next decade to athletes who competed between 2016 and 2025, allowing direct pay for college athletes.
Reporting contributed by Ryan Morik of Fox News Digital.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
