Swiftly following President Donald Trump's executive order addressing transgender athletes in women's sports, the NCAA has revised its eligibility guidelines. The new policy explicitly prohibits biological males from competing on women's teams, marking a significant shift from the previous 2010 policy which permitted participation after a year of testosterone suppression treatment. Biological females are still allowed to compete on men's teams.

Trump's executive order, signed on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, aimed to establish a national standard on this contentious issue. NCAA President Charlie Baker acknowledged the order, indicating the organization's intention to review and align its policies accordingly. He stated the NCAA's preference for uniform eligibility standards nationwide, rather than navigating a complex web of varying state laws and court rulings. The NCAA reiterated its commitment to inclusive campus environments for all student-athletes.

This policy change comes amidst ongoing legal challenges to the NCAA and its member institutions regarding transgender athlete participation. Notably, former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines is pursuing legal action based on her experience competing against and sharing facilities with Lia Thomas. Other female athletes have joined Gaines in this lawsuit. Separately, three of Thomas's former UPenn teammates have also filed suit, alleging they were pressured to accept pro-transgender viewpoints and silenced by administrators.

In addition to these lawsuits, the Department of Education under Trump initiated investigations into potential Title IX violations at UPenn, San Jose State University, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association related to transgender athlete participation. The Department of Education is also reviewing athletic participation policies at various schools for compliance with Title IX protections for female athletes. A recent New York Times/Ipsos poll revealed significant public opposition to transgender athletes competing in women's sports, with 79% of respondents disagreeing with the practice, including a majority of Democrats.