In this episode of Highway to NIL, Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys Cal Stein and Mike Lowe break down President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Urgent National Action to Save College Sports.” Cal and Mike unpack the order’s call for a national NIL framework, proposed five-year eligibility caps and transfer limits, protections for women’s and Olympic sports, tighter rules on tampering and “fraudulent” NIL deals, and the directive to challenge state laws that conflict with interstate college sports governance.

Key Topics Include:

  • Purpose of Trump’s executive order (2:36);
  • Trump’s encouragement of Congress to act for a national solution (7:14);
  • Improper financial activities: tortious interference, fraudulent NIL schemes, and fair market value (9:40);
  • Further direction by Trump for regulation of student-athlete eligibility and transfers (17:45);
  • Attorney general action regarding state NIL laws (29:07).

Transcript: ‘Urgent National Action to Save College Sports’: Trump’s NIL Playbook (PDF)

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Callan G. Stein Callan G. Stein

Cal’s broad litigation and investigation practice encompasses white collar criminal matters, corporate and commercial civil litigation, internal investigations, and health care litigation. Cal frequently represents and advises higher education clients, particularly in areas related to collegiate athletics and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

…

Cal’s broad litigation and investigation practice encompasses white collar criminal matters, corporate and commercial civil litigation, internal investigations, and health care litigation. Cal frequently represents and advises higher education clients, particularly in areas related to collegiate athletics and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and compliance. Cal provides NIL compliance advice and internal investigation services to major universities, including those that participate in Division I football and basketball, and likewise advises schools on athletics contracts, conference affiliations, conference realignment, and other NCAA-related issues. Cal also represents and advises businesses on NIL contracts, as well as NIL collectives on formation and compliance matters. Cal hosts the firm’s “Highway to NIL” podcast that discusses the legal landscape and developments in the area of NIL law.

Read more about Callan G. SteinCallan's Linkedin Profile
Show more Show less
Photo of Michael S. Lowe Michael S. Lowe

As a seasoned former federal prosecutor in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Michael provides unique insights and practical guidance to clients facing investigation or prosecution for allegations of fraud and other financial crimes and civil False Claims Act suits. Michael is experienced in the

…

As a seasoned former federal prosecutor in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Michael provides unique insights and practical guidance to clients facing investigation or prosecution for allegations of fraud and other financial crimes and civil False Claims Act suits. Michael is experienced in the NIL and higher education space. He currently represents an NCAA Division I athletic conference in connection with the settlement of the House antitrust litigation, as well as NIL issues and conference policies and procedures. He also has provided advice to an NCAA Division I university in connection with NIL and has experience with investigations of potential NIL violations. In addition to representing clients in this area, Michael frequently writes, speaks, and presents on cutting-edge NIL issues.

Read more about Michael S. Lowe
Show more Show less
Related Posts
'Desk Drawer Roundup': NIL Contract Fights, Eligibility Battles, and the CSC Participation Agreement
February 18, 2026
Beyond the Deals: Student-Athlete Identity, Development, and NIL With 42U's Stephen Bienko
January 29, 2026
Maximizing Revenue: The Future of College Sports Media Rights in a Post-House World
November 6, 2025