Kordell Caldwell

A recent executive order on college sports frames eligibility violations, improper NIL arrangements and transfer-related conduct as potential federal funding compliance issues — not just athletic department governance problems. Baker Donelson attorneys Kordell Caldwell, Benjamin West Janke and Lesli Harris explain what covered institutions and third-party market participants need to understand before an August deadline.

On April 3, 2026, the White House issued the Executive Order titled "Urgent National Action to Save College Sports." The order is designed to promote a more uniform national approach to core college-sports rules – especially athlete eligibility, transfers, revenue-sharing, and pay-for-play activity – by leveraging federal grants and contracts and by pressing the NCAA to update or clarify its rules before August 1, 2026.

Federal funding and contracting risk: Covered institutions may face heightened exposure under federal suspension/debarment and "present responsibility" concepts tied to violations of certain college-athletics rules effective August 1, 2026.