Trump plans executive order to keep Army-Navy game exclusive, blocking playoff football from overlapping

The president doesn’t want anything else interrupting next season’s Army-Navy game.

President Donald Trump posted to social media on Saturday that his administration plans to sign an executive order to give the Army-Navy game an “exclusive 4 hour broadcast window,” which would make it so no other game would be televised at the same time.

“The Army-Navy Game is one of our Greatest American Traditions — Unmatched Patriotism, Courage, and Honor!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This incredible Tradition is now at risk of being pushed aside by more College Playoff Games, and Big TV Money. NOT ANYMORE!

President Donald J. Trump attends the 125th Army-Navy Game, won by the Midshipmen, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 13, 2025. Jackie brown / SplashNews.com

“Under my Administration, the second Saturday in December belongs to Army-Navy, and ONLY Army-Navy! I will soon sign a Historic Executive Order securing an EXCLUSIVE 4 hour Broadcast window, so this National Event stands above Commercial Postseason Games. No other Game or Team can violate this Time Slot!!!

“On the field, they are rivals, but on the battlefield they are America’s unstoppable Patriots, defending our Country with tremendous Strength and Heart. We must protect the Tradition, and the Players, who protect us. Please let this serve as Notice to ALL Television Networks, Stations, and Outlets. God Bless America, and God Bless our great Army-Navy Game!!!”

Trump did not specify how the executive order would play out regarding network deals, with CBS Sports being the broadcaster of the Army-Navy game since 1996 and holds the rights until 2038.

The two’s most recent meeting came on Dec. 13, and resulted in a 17-16 win for Navy — but was on at the same time as the LA Bowl between Washington and Boise State.

Navy mascot Bill the Goat lays down on the logo as Cadets and Midshipmen from West Point and Annapolis march on to the field before the first half of Navy’s win over Army at M&T Bank Stadium. Danny Wild-Imagn Images

According to CBS Sports, last season’s situation was unique, with there being many years where the game between the two service academies is the only match in the time slot.

Trump’s comments on college football come as the NCAA remains divided on College Football Playoff expansion.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey wants to expand the playoff to 16 teams, with his Big Ten counterpart Tony Petitti reportedly aiming for a 24-team postseason.

If the two powerhouse conferences can not agree on a playoff format by Jan. 23, the current 12-team format will continue for the 2026 season.

[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]