WASHINGTON (December 14, 2025) – President Donald Trump unleashed sharp criticism on the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) system in college athletics, calling it a “disaster” that is devastating non-revenue sports and threatening America’s Olympic pipeline.
President Trump Calls NIL a “Disaster” for College Athletics and Olympics
Speaking Friday during an Oval Office ceremony honoring the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. hockey team, Trump warned that skyrocketing NIL payments in football and basketball are forcing universities to slash Olympic sports like wrestling, swimming, and track—traditional breeding grounds for U.S. medalists.
“I think the NIL is a disaster for sports. It’s horrible for the Olympics, and I think it’s actually horrible for the players,” Trump said. “Those sports don’t exist anymore because they’re putting all their money into football.”
Trump: I think the NIL is a disaster for sports, horrible for the olympics, and for the players… You will have these colleges wipe themselves out. Something ought to be done, and I’m willing to put the federal government behind it pic.twitter.com/rpjiFVw2cW
— Acyn (@Acyn) December 12, 2025
He highlighted the financial burden: “Colleges cannot afford to be paying the kind of salaries that you’re hearing about.” Trump signaled openness to federal action: “Something ought to be done, and I’m willing to put the federal government behind it. And if it’s not done fast, you’re going to wipe out colleges.”
Trump’s Long-Standing Concerns on NIL
The comments echo his earlier 2025 executive order attempting to curb “pay-for-play” excesses while protecting non-revenue programs. With schools facing massive new costs from the House settlement’s revenue-sharing model, program cuts have accelerated—validating Trump’s warnings about sustainability.
Critics of unchecked NIL agree, arguing it creates an arms race favoring power conferences. Proponents counter that it empowers athletes and reflects modern realities.
Broader Impact on College Athletics and Olympics
The President tied NIL directly to Olympic success: “It’s horrible for the Olympics because those are the training grounds.” The U.S. has dominated in many sports thanks to college development, but recent cuts risk long-term competitiveness.
As Congress debates regulation and private equity enters (e.g., Utah’s landmark deal), Trump’s voice adds significant pressure. College leaders and the NCAA watch closely—federal involvement could fundamentally reshape the landscape.
The President’s blunt assessment reignites the debate: Is NIL saving or destroying college athletics? With costs soaring and programs vanishing, his “disaster” label resonates louder than ever.
References
- Sports Business Journal – President Trump calls NIL a ‘disaster’ for college athletics, Olympics (Dec 14, 2025)
- Fox News – Trump rips NIL ‘disaster’ in Oval Office (Dec 13, 2025)
- USA Today – Trump says ‘something ought to be done’ about NIL (Dec 12, 2025)
- Yahoo Sports – President Donald Trump calls NIL ‘disaster’ (Dec 13, 2025)
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