In Naples, Florida, NCAA president Charlie Baker convened a meeting with commissioners from the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and Big Ten. Their private discussions sparked concerns among the other 28 Division I commissioners, left out of the loop and feeling marginalized. This division marks a significant shift toward a new governance model as the power conferences look to assert control over NCAA operations.
Emerging from landmark antitrust settlements, the new framework clearly benefits the dominant leagues, allowing them to share sizable revenue with athletes. Meanwhile, the lower-tier conferences struggle to maintain financial stability, heavily reliant on institutional support and student fees. This imbalance highlights the growing chasm between the “haves” and “have-nots” in collegiate sports.
The restructured governance model and potential NCAA tournament expansions indicate a future where power conferences wield greater influence. This shift provokes anxiety among the lesser-funded programs about their place in the Division I landscape, particularly regarding their shrinking share of championship revenues. As decisions are finalized, the divide within NCAA Division I has never been more palpable.
