U.S. Courts Extend College Athlete Eligibility, Challenging NCAA Rules

The Trump administration issued the "Saving College Sports" Executive Order in July 2025, aiming to protect student-athletes and preserve participation opportunities in collegiate athletics, especially for women's and non-revenue sports. This order responds to challenges arising from the House v. NCAA settlement, which imposed roster limitations leading to reduced participation in multiple sports, and it pushes institutions to maintain or increase roster spots and scholarships within set caps. The order categorizes schools based on athletic revenue, with varying expectations for preserving scholarships and roster spots, while also prohibiting third-party pay-for-play payments and calling for clearer federal guidance on student-athlete status and NIL regulations. Meanwhile, U.S. courts continue to challenge NCAA rules, particularly the five-year eligibility and junior college participation rules, with multiple injunctions allowing athletes extended eligibility beyond previous limits, signaling a major transformation in college sports. Additionally, universities like the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are addressing ticket resale issues for inaugural football games, reflecting growing demand and commercialization in expanding college sports programs. These developments occur alongside discussions on sustainable business models and Title IX compliance to ensure equity and broad-based athletic opportunities in college sports.