A proposed presidential commission on college sports, backed by Donald Trump and expected to be led by legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban, appears to be in limbo. According to multiple reports, the initiative—meant to tackle major challenges like NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) regulations, athlete compensation, and transfer rules—has stalled amid internal disagreements and growing skepticism.
Initially touted as a bold step toward reshaping the future of college athletics, the commission gained attention when Trump floated the idea during a campaign appearance, naming Saban and Texas Tech donor Cody Campbell as potential co-chairs. However, momentum has slowed dramatically. Saban himself recently voiced doubts about the need for a formal commission, stating, “We already know the problems—we just need people who are willing to fix them.”
Sources close to the Trump campaign suggest that the commission’s launch has been delayed due to diverging views on how best to address the issues plaguing college sports. Some advisors reportedly believe legislative efforts already underway in Congress may offer a more direct path forward. Senator Ted Cruz is currently leading efforts on Capitol Hill to introduce federal NIL legislation, further complicating the timing and relevance of a new commission.
Meanwhile, Campbell has continued to advocate for reform through his “Saving College Sports” campaign, investing in lobbying efforts to influence future NIL policy. But without clear backing from Saban or a unified strategy within Trump’s team, the commission’s future remains uncertain.
As college sports face a transformative era, the absence of cohesive leadership leaves fans, athletes, and administrators wondering what’s next—and who will take the lead in shaping it.
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