University presidents, athletic directors and policy advocates convened at the White House for a session on college sports governance, pressing for federal action to address financial instability, athlete pay, and institutional accountability. President Trump presided over the meeting, which officials described as a signal that momentum is building toward a federal solution. Speakers framed the problems in terms of fractured governance and rising costs in major conferences, and urged Congress and the administration to explore statutory changes rather than leave reform solely to the NCAA and conferences. The White House discussion increases pressure on lawmakers to craft proposals that could include changes to antitrust exemptions, federal oversight of transfers and compensation, or new reporting requirements for athletic finances. A federal path would redesign how athletics revenue, student‑athlete compensation, and institutional compliance intersect — with consequences for budgets, admissions, and campus labor relations.