President Donald Trump is set to host a major discussion about the future of college athletics at the White House on March 6. The meeting will bring together some of the biggest names in sports, politics, and university leadership.
The goal of the roundtable is simple. Leaders want to talk about the growing challenges in college sports. Over the past few years, the system has changed quickly. New rules about athlete payments and transfers have created confusion across the industry.
Officials hope the meeting will help find ways to bring more stability to college athletics.
Donald Trump college sports roundtable focuses on NIL and transfer portal
One of the biggest topics at the event will be NIL deals. NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. These deals allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements and partnerships.
The change has transformed the college sports world. Many top players now sign large sponsorship deals while still playing for their schools.
However, the new system has also created legal and competitive concerns. Some lawmakers believe it has created an uneven playing field between universities.
In 2025, Trump signed an executive order aimed at limiting certain types of payments to athletes. The order banned pay to play deals from third party groups but still allowed NIL sponsorship agreements.
The transfer portal is also expected to be a major topic. Many coaches and administrators believe the current system allows players to switch schools too easily. They argue that it has made roster stability very difficult.
NCAA collective bargaining and government role in college sports
Another major discussion point is the idea of collective bargaining for college athletes.
For decades, athletes in college sports have been considered students rather than employees. Because of that, they could not negotiate contracts like professional players.
Recently, some leaders have started to consider whether athletes should have the right to bargain for better pay, benefits, or working conditions.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association has strongly resisted the idea of treating players as employees. But legal challenges and court rulings have increased pressure on the organization.
Government involvement is also expected to be part of the conversation. Over the last few years, lawsuits against the NCAA have become more common. Some officials now believe federal rules may be needed to create a clear system for college sports.
One example is the proposed SCORE Act. The bill would regulate NIL deals and give the NCAA limited legal protection against certain lawsuits. It would also block athletes from officially becoming employees of their schools.
The bill has faced political disagreement and has not yet been passed.
Big sports leaders expected at Trump college sports meeting
The guest list for the roundtable includes several well known names from across the sports world.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has been invited and may play a key role in the discussion. Trump has reportedly asked Saban for advice on how to fix current issues in college athletics.
Adam Silver, the commissioner of the National Basketball Association, is also expected to attend.
NCAA president Charlie Baker is on the list as well. Several major conference commissioners will also join the conversation. That includes Greg Sankey of the Southeastern Conference and Tony Petitti from the Big Ten Conference.
One surprise name on the guest list is golf legend Tiger Woods.
The roundtable is expected to bring together athletes, university presidents, and sports executives in one room. Many believe the conversation could shape the next phase of college athletics in the United States.