WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, responded to the release of President Trump’s Executive Order which aims to regulate college sports in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

“The many challenges facing college sports are important and complex,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The Executive Order recognizes the importance of preserving Olympic sports, women’s sports, and maintaining competitiveness for big and small schools alike.  I’m disappointed that the President abandoned his earlier plan for a commission to examine all the issues facing college sports. We need a sustainable future for college sports, not a future dominated by the biggest and wealthiest schools who can write their own rules without accountability.”

Until the NCAA v. Alston Supreme Court case in January 2021, student athletes could only receive compensation that directly related to the cost of attending school, including scholarships, living expenses, textbooks, and stipends in some cases. Because of that lawsuit, the doors have opened for student athletes to receive compensation via NIL. 

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