NIL has grown exponentially in college sports, almost to the point that the sports now resemble their pro counterparts. Throw in the transfer portal, which is akin to trading in pro sports, and it's easy to see the decreasing differences. President Donald Trump just signed an executive order to limit NIL money.
The executive order calls into question the use of resources for athletic programs to help preserve the educational and developmental benefits of a school. The order specifically says it will stop college sports from resembling pro sports. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban agrees with the sentiment, and he praised the move by the president.
"The executive order provides a huge step in providing the educational model that has always been what we've sort of tried to promote to create opportunities for players, male and female alike, revenue and non-revenue, so that they can have development as people, students and develop careers and develop professionally if that's what they choose to do," Saban said per USA Today.
Saban said it essentially boils down to whether or not schools should be education-based or if they will just become sponsors for professional sports teams, and that Trump's order shifts schools back toward education. The executive order has been controversial, but one of college's most legendary and beloved coaches likes what it represents.