Former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban commended President Donald Trump for his recent executive order that places new restrictions on payments to college athletes. The order specifically prohibits athletes from receiving pay-to-play payments from third-party sources, but it does not restrict NIL payments to college athletes by third-party sources.
Saban expressed his support for the educational model promoted by the executive order, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for players to develop as individuals, students, and professionals. He highlighted the need to choose between an education-based model and universities sponsoring professional teams, with the former being the preferred option for most people.
The order also emphasizes the importance of protecting women’s and non-revenue sports when implementing revenue-sharing agreements between universities and collegiate athletes. While no clear guidelines were provided initially, Saban conveyed confidence in the safety of college sports.
Saban explained the role of a clearing house in authenticating name, image, and likeness to prevent pay-for-play scenarios. He underscored the financial considerations in promoting various sports and emphasized the revenue-producing nature of college sports, which supports the existence of multiple sports through generated revenue.
Saban and Trump previously met to discuss college athletes and NIL deals, with Saban retiring in 2024 amid the evolving landscape of college sports.
Reporting contributed by Fox News’ Jackson Thompson.