President Donald Trump waded into a debate over the influence of big-money payouts in college sports on Thursday, signing an executive order adding federal government scrutiny to the practice.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at preserving college sports. The policy mandates that universities expand or maintain scholarships and roster spots. An attorney for athletes says Trump intervention in college sports isn't needed.

The order aims to ban "pay-for-play" NIL deals, mandates scholarships for women's and Olympic sports and threatens to withhold funds from schools who don't comply. But its legality is in question.