Why NIL Matters,The Business of Sports Memorabilia,Tom Brady Autograph Controversy,Trump’s “Save College Sports” Executive Order Sparks NIL Controversy,NIL,Trump’s NIL Crackdown Could Change College Sports

Trump’s NIL Crackdown Could Change College Sports

Hartley Henderson / April 9, 2026 / Legal

Trump’s “Save College Sports” Executive Order Sparks NIL Controversy

Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order called “Save College Sports”, aimed at banning several deals between the NCAA and athletes that Trump claims are hurting college sports. In a statement, Trump said the new rules would restore order, fairness, and stability by denying universities federal contracts or grants if their policies differ from what is laid out in the order.

The order seeks to limit and structure transfer rules, likely targeting the transfer portal that has made NCAA bowl seasons unpredictable. It also mandates complete medical care for student-athletes, restructures revenue sharing agreements, and aims to end “improper financial agreements” that the administration says are harming the league.

NIL Rules in the Crosshairs

The most controversial part of the order targets Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. Since 2022, star players have been allowed to profit from anything sold with their name, image, or autograph. Before 2022, players could only receive scholarships as compensation. In 2019, California passed the Fair Pay to Play Act, allowing players at schools like USC, UCLA, and Stanford to profit from their NIL. Then in 2021, the Supreme Court ruled banning NIL compensation unconstitutional, opening the door for athletes to earn revenue while still in college.

Rumors suggest NCAA executives have been lobbying the Trump administration for a solution since they were losing revenue to players. NCAA executive Charlie Baker called the order a step forward but demanded a “permanent bipartisan federal legislative solution” to effectively overturn the Supreme Court ruling.

Legal Challenges Ahead

Lawsuits are already being filed to challenge the executive order. Athletes and agents argue NIL deals provide incentives to stay in school longer, develop connections, and prepare for professional careers. The debate has also reignited discussions about the memorabilia industry, with collectors and casual fans questioning if the market for signed merchandise has gotten out of hand.

Tom Brady and the Autograph Controversy

In April 2024, Tom Brady appeared at a business and marketing conference near the University of Miami where VIP tickets costing $3,600 promised a meet and greet and an autograph, with an additional $3,000 charged for extra signatures. The event was promoted by Fernando Azures, who according to Brady had agreed that he would only sign copies of his book and photos of himself, limited to 100 signatures. However, a memorabilia company distributed flyers advertising the appearance as a memorabilia signing, leading collectors from around the world to bring high value items such as rookie cards, game used footballs including one from a Super Bowl, stadium seats, and other expensive collectibles.

When Brady arrived and saw the table filled with merchandise rather than the agreed upon books and photos, he asked to be left alone while he signed the items. Because he had an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, Brady later said he could not legitimately sign the merchandise. Instead, he scribbled illegible markings on the items so they would not resemble his real signature or be authenticated. The result was devastating for collectors who had spent thousands on travel, merchandise, and VIP access, as the value of their items dropped dramatically. Lawsuits soon followed alleging false advertising, breach of contract, and property damage. While the courts have said Brady himself did nothing wrong and the case continues to be litigated, the incident highlights how the autograph industry has increasingly become driven by business agreements and exclusive deals rather than the collectors who helped build the market.

The Business of Sports Memorabilia

Today, signatures have become a lucrative business. A Michael Jordan-signed basketball can sell for $8,000 on Fanatics, which is valued at nearly $31 billion with over 22,000 employees. Protecting the value of official merchandise has become essential for players and companies alike. Casual fans and children are often priced out, as athletes prioritize contractual agreements and revenue over free fan interactions.

Why NIL Matters

Trump’s executive order may appeal to those longing for the “good old days” of sports, but its real focus is on giving more money to leagues and teams rather than athletes. NIL deals allow players like Arch Manning to earn up to $6 million, while others like AJ Dybantsa and Jeremiah Smith have valuations around $4.2 million. Without NIL, leagues and corporations like Fanatics profit heavily while athletes see little. Most would agree that players, not leagues, should reap the rewards.

A Personal Reflection

I once received a Kansas City Royals baseball signed by the 1985 team from Larry Gura. Players signed willingly, with no thought of profit. Today, a young fan’s attempt to get an autograph can be turned down because of merchandising deals. While I appreciate Trump’s attempt to address NIL, the executive order seems designed to protect league profits rather than casual fans or student-athletes. It’s a reminder that in modern sports, business often comes before fans.