The “College Athletics” infrastructure is collapsing under the growing workloads of staff retrenchment and changing job descriptions. Whether its wins, squad sizes, in athlete medical care and/or for academic transfers coming in from the portal, the enterprise is under more pressure than ever.
Kevin McClure, professor of Education Policy at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, just wrote a book called “The Caring University”. Concerned about the state of employment and employees who work on campus, Kevin emphasizes the persistent "churn and burn" mentality within institutions, (where employees are often undervalued) is vastly underdiscussed, particularly in athletics. He discusses examples of employees who leave higher education due to poor working conditions, highlighting the need for institutions to reassess their approach. Rather than merely replacing staff, universities should focus on improving job conditions and employee experiences to retain talent.
Book: The Caring University, Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace After the Great Resignation out now. Find it here: https://drkevinrmcclure.com/book/
Josh Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of Sports Innovation Lab (now a part of Genius Sports) explains where new NCAA revenue streams are coming from. Calling it the “Premium Economy”, Josh encourages senior leaders to understand and leverage their most valuable assets in today’s entertainment economy—live sports.
Our conversation explores the evolving landscape of live entertainment in the context of higher education, emphasizing the need for college presidents to embrace new opportunities for monetization and community engagement through innovative strategies and technology.
Dr. Luke Wood, Sacramento State's ninth president, is leading an ambitious FCS to FBS transition for the university's football program. He discusses his vision for elevating athletics as an economic development engine, bringing celebrity coaches like Mike Bibby and Shaquille O'Neal to campus, advocating for revenue share as racial justice, and his bold prediction that Sac State will become a flagship university within five years.
Join Dr. Karen Weaver and special guest Armand Alacbay, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Government Relations at the American Council for Trustees and Alumni for a timely exploration of the Big Ten’s headline-making $2.4 billion private equity deal with UC Investments. Learn why top universities like Michigan and USC are hitting pause, how trustee oversight is essential in college sports finance, and what’s really at stake for the future of the Big Ten. Don’t miss this candid discussion on transparency, governance, and tough decisions in higher education leadership.
Also included are three panelists from the ACTA webinar held November 14 who offered key commentary as this crisis began to boil into the open.
First: Michigan Regent Sarah Hubbard
Second: ACTA President Michael Poliakoff
Third: USC Regent Jeff Smulyan
Full ACTA webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJEnqmA66_0&t=5s
University of San Diego President Jim Harris discusses the potential restructuring of the NCAA, particularly focusing on the Power Four conferences and their financial influence via football over all of college athletics.
He suggests that these conferences could establish their own governance and rules, separate from the NCAA, to better manage their unique challenges, especially in football. This could lead to a more equitable distribution of power and decision-making within college sports, allowing for a more tailored approach to regulations and financial management.
As leaders, we have to start having these conversations.
In a world where the financial dynamics of higher education are constantly shifting, understanding how universities manage their funds is crucial. Karen Weaver dives into an engaging discussion with Janet Lorin, a seasoned reporter from Bloomberg News, who sheds light on the intricate relationship between university endowments, student debt, and innovative revenue streams.
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of the Big Ten Conference's potential partnerships with the University of California pension system. Lorin clarifies that the pension fund, valued at approximately $200 billion, is not a conventional private equity investor but rather a significant institutional investor looking for substantial returns. This partnership aims to create new revenue streams through ventures like volleyball tournaments, which could ultimately support university financial health.
Lorin shares her extensive experience covering university endowments, highlighting the performance of Ivy League schools. This year, Ivy League institutions saw similar returns of around 11-12%. However, she notes that traditional investment strategies are no longer yielding the advantages they once did, as U.S. equities have outperformed private equity investments over recent years.
With college tuition skyrocketing, many institutions face criticism for not utilizing their endowments to ease the financial burden on students. Lorin explains that universities often have strict guidelines governing the use of donated funds, which can limit their flexibility in addressing tuition concerns. The conversation delves into the misconception that all students pay the full tuition price, and how the increasing costs may lead potential students to consider alternative pathways, such as community colleges or certificate programs.
Dr. Karen Weaver engages with Dr. Eric Monday and Erik Judson to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly at the University of Kentucky. They explore the formation of Champion Blue LLC, the importance of multimedia rights, and the role of private equity in enhancing university partnerships. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative thinking in higher education and the significance of building strong, enterprise-wide relationships to navigate the challenges faced by institutions today.BONUS: Adding to the original conversation, Erik Judson shares his take on stadium/entertainment districts from his lengthy experience with Petco Park and the San Diego Padres, and what university presidents should know about the changing college sports environment (28:56).
NOTE: there is an audio issue with Erik Judson's connection about 25 minutes in--we are working to fix this.
Dr. Karen Weaver engages with Dr. Eric Monday, EVP and CFO at UKentucky, and Erik Judson, CEO of JMI Sports, to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly at the University of Kentucky. They explore the formation of Champion Blue LLC, the importance of multimedia rights, and the role of private equity in enhancing university partnerships.
The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative thinking in higher education and the significance of building strong, enterprise-wide relationships to navigate the challenges faced by institutions today.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver discusses the complexities of data rights in college athletics with Kristy Gale, CEO of Honor Data Rights Management.
They explore the ethical implications of data collection, the importance of educating athletes about their data rights, and the potential for universities to monetize athlete data while ensuring compliance with regulations.
The conversation highlights the need for transparency, informed consent, and the evolving landscape of athlete data management.
Karen Weaver interviews Dr. Daniel Mahony, the 10th president of the Southern Illinois University System. They discuss the unique structure of the SIU system, the challenges and opportunities in college athletics, and the importance of community engagement and student involvement. Dr. Mahony shares insights on financial management, legislative challenges, and the potential for creating athletic majors. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics and the need for innovative thinking in the face of changing dynamics.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Jill Murray, the first female president of Lackawanna College (PA), discusses the college's transition from NJCAA to NCAA Division II, highlighting the innovative changes and strategic planning involved. She emphasizes the importance of athletic development, student support, and expanding athletic programs to enhance student experiences.
Dr. Murray also addresses the challenges of compliance, budgeting, and the role of e-sports in college athletics, providing insights for new college presidents considering similar transitions.
"Winning in athletics is about more than just outcomes; it's about commitment and resources."
Dr. Polly Peterson, president of the University of Jamestown, discusses the significant transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II athletics. She shares insights on strategic planning, community engagement, and the importance of maintaining a balance in athletic opportunities for both men and women.
Dr. Peterson emphasizes the role of alumni support and financial sustainability in navigating the challenges of higher education today, while also highlighting the university's commitment to growth and quality education.
Karen is recovering from a recent vocal cord surgery.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver interviews Jonathan Marks, Chief Business Officer at Elevate, discussing the evolving landscape of college sports, the importance of premium hospitality, and the strategic investments Elevate is making to enhance the college sports experience. They explore how Elevate is helping colleges maximize revenue through innovative facility designs, technology integration, and unique game day experiences, while also addressing the need for student engagement in athletics.
Karen recently underwent vocal cord surgery, so her voice may sound a bit different!
Joining the podcast is Paia LaPalombara, a partner at the Church Church Hittle + Antrim law firm based near Indianapolis. She is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete and powerhouse strategist. She has advised institutions on the House v. NCAA settlement to structuring NIL licensing agreements and managing complex compliance issues.
Joining her is Connor Glass, an Associate Attorney at CCH+A, Connor specializes in NCAA compliance, infractions, and gender equity reviews under Title IX.
Our conversation covers the financial and legal aspects of athletes and universities negotiating NIL contracts from two lawyers who draft them.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver discusses the current state of higher education under the Trump administration with Dr. Jeanne Sheehan Zaino. Jeanne is a Bloomberg Media contributor and a Senior Democracy Fellow at The Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress. Her day job includes being an award-winning professor of Political Science & Intl. Studies at Iona University (NY).
They explore the broader conservative agenda targeting universities, the threats to academic freedom and funding, and the implications of executive orders on college athletics. The conversation also delves into the importance of political risk assessment, managing institutional relationships, and the need for collaboration among colleges and universities to navigate the challenges ahead.
How many former Division I athletes become a president of a Division I school?
My guest today is Steve Stoute, former Seton Hall soccer player who is now the president at Canisius University. His career path has offered him unique insights and influence at one of the pivotal moments in college athletics history. We explore the financial challenges faced by non-power conference institutions, the impact of NIL on recruitment, and the importance of supporting women's athletics.
Stoute emphasizes the need for mental health resources for student-athletes and reflects on the implications of recent governance changes in the NCAA. He also shares insights for aspiring college presidents on navigating the complexities of college sports.
Ross Dellinger of Yahoo Sports, one of the very best college football reporters, joins the podcast. We discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics post-July 1, 2025, particularly focusing on athlete compensation, collective bargaining, and the implications of new legislation. We discuss the recent support for collective bargaining from athletic directors, the establishment of the College Sports Commission, and the role of arbitration in NIL deals. Dellinger also shares insights on the SCORE Act and predictions for the future of college athletics, emphasizing the ongoing changes and challenges in the industry.
Ross' article's: https://sports.yahoo.com/author/ross-dellenger/
Dr. Daniel Allen, president of LaSalle University, joins the podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics. We discuss the challenges facing higher education, including enrollment and funding, the impact of NIL and revenue sharing, and the importance of maintaining a strong athletic identity while balancing academic priorities.
Dr. Allen shares insights on recruitment strategies, faculty engagement, and the role of philanthropy in supporting university missions. The conversation also touches on the governance of college athletics and the need for effective communication with alumni and fans about changes in the sports landscape.
Dr. Cheryl McConnell, president of St. Joseph's University, discusses the challenges and transformations in higher education, particularly in the context of athletics and university identity. She emphasizes the need for strategic decision-making amidst chaos, the importance of aligning athletics with the university's mission, and the complexities of navigating NCAA regulations and legal challenges. Dr. McConnell also shares insights on board dynamics, campus expansion, and offers advice for aspiring college presidents.
Join host Karen Weaver and economist Dr. Dan Rascher as they decode the landmark House v. NCAA case, revealing how antitrust rules, NIL rights, and billion-dollar settlements will reshape college athletics and empower student-athletes. Uncover the real numbers behind past damages dating back to 2016 and learn how video game, broadcast, and future NIL payouts—totaling $2.77 B—could redefine scholarships, roster sizes, and competitive balance. A must-listen for fans, scholars, and athletes alike.