WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump has picked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and New York Yankees President Randy Levine to help lead a new federal commission focused on college sports reform, according to people familiar with the plans. The group, called the Saving College Sports Roundtable, will study major changes in college athletics. Trump will serve as chair. DeSantis and Levine will act as vice chairs. A formal announcement could come as early as next week. The commission will explore an antitrust exemption for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, commonly known as the NCAA. Leaders across college sports have pushed for such protection for years.
College sports face rapid change. Courts have ruled against the NCAA in several cases. Those rulings have opened the door for athletes to earn money from name, image, and likeness deals, often called NIL.
Now, industry leaders want more clarity. They argue that an antitrust exemption from Congress would allow the NCAA and its member schools to set common rules. They say that step could stabilize college athletics. Critics disagree. They believe an exemption could limit athletes’ rights. They argue it could restrict player movement and reduce earning power. The new commission plans to weigh both sides.
The group includes several well-known names in sports and public life. Among them are Jonathan Kraft, president of the New England Patriots, and Adam Silver, commissioner of the National Basketball Association. Former Nick Saban, who coached at the University of Alabama, will also serve on the panel. Business executive Gerry Cardinale, founder of RedBird Capital Partners, has joined as well.
Other members include longtime NHL executive Lou Lamoriello, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and sports consultant Marc Ganis. The panel also includes conference commissioners and athletic directors. Organizers say the group brings together leaders from professional sports, college athletics, and government.
A key issue for the commission involves antitrust law. The NCAA has faced lawsuits that challenge its limits on athlete pay and transfers. Courts have ruled that some of those limits violate federal antitrust rules. College leaders argue that Congress should grant the NCAA a limited exemption. They say that the move would let schools create uniform rules on athlete compensation, transfers, and recruiting.
The commission will also examine NIL rules. Since 2021, college athletes have signed endorsement deals worth millions of dollars. Supporters call it a fair system. Critics say it has created uneven competition and confusion.
Another major topic involves whether college athletes should become employees. Some lawmakers and labor advocates support that idea. They argue that athletes generate billions in revenue and deserve workplace protections. Others warn that employee status could change the entire college sports model.
The group may also review the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. Lawmakers passed that law to protect certain broadcast agreements. Some sports leaders believe the law no longer fits the modern media landscape.
Trump will lead the commission as chair. DeSantis and Levine will help guide the discussions as vice chairs. Sources say the group could hold its first meeting soon. Yahoo Sports first reported the formation of the roundtable. Representatives for the White House and DeSantis did not respond to requests for comment. Levine declined to comment.
The debate over college sports reform has grown more urgent. Revenue continues to rise in football and basketball. At the same time, legal battles and policy shifts create uncertainty. Supporters of reform say strong federal action can protect the future of college athletics. Opponents warn against limiting athlete rights in the name of stability.
The commission now faces the challenge of finding common ground. Its recommendations could shape the next era of NCAA rules, NIL policy, and college sports governance across the United States.
