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U.S. Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti congratulated President Donald Trump after Trump signed an executive order to protect the exclusive broadcast window for the annual Army-Navy football game.
Pernetti expressed the conference’s “deep gratitude” for the order.
“The USA Conference is deeply grateful to President Trump for his strong leadership in issuing the historic executive order to preserve America’s game,” Pernetti said in a statement.
“This is an important milestone that protects a treasured national tradition and reinforces what makes the Army-Navy game so special to our country.”
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President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order while presenting the Commander in Chief’s Trophy with the Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, March 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“The Army-Navy game is about much more than football. It honors our military academies, showcases the character and commitment of our future leaders, and unites Americans around values that matter deeply, including service and sacrifice.
“This executive order is a positive step for the sport, for our service academies and for the enduring legacy of America’s Game. We are proud to be part of the team working to protect it.”
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President Donald Trump is escorted onto the field to participate in the ceremonial coin toss before the start of an Army-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Dec. 13, 2025. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)
Trump signed the order Friday as he presented the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Navy football team in the East Room of the White House. The order directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce to coordinate with relevant parties, including the NCAA, the College Football Playoff (CFP), and broadcast partners, to secure an exclusive broadcast window for the standalone game.
The executive order came amid growing concerns that an expanded College Football Playoff schedule could encroach on the traditional date of the game, which since 2009 has been played exclusively on the second Saturday in December.
The classic rivalry, first played in 1890, has been played annually since 1930 and typically draws 7 to 8 million viewers, making it one of the highest-rated regular season games in college football. The current television deal with CBS Sports runs through 2038.
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President Donald Trump flips a coin before an Army-Navy game in Baltimore, Dec. 13, 2025. (Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump, who attended several Army-Navy games as president, framed the move in January as an act of patriotism, writing on social media: “Under my administration, the second Saturday in December belongs to the Army and Navy, and ONLY the Army and Navy!
As the postseason structure of college football continues to evolve, this executive order demonstrates a significant commitment by the administration to maintaining the self-contained greatness of a game defined by the phrase “singing second.”
