Trustees and Presidents: A Podcast for University Leaders On College Athletics

r. Karen Weaver discusses the complexities of private equity in college athletics with Michael LaSalle from Shamrock Capital Advisors. They explore the definition of private equity, the governance structures of universities, and the potential conflicts that arise when integrating private equity into athletic departments. The conversation also delves into marketing strategies, branding, and the future of college athletics in the context of private equity investments.

Dr. Darryll Pines, the president of the University of Maryland, discusses the evolving landscape of college athletics and higher education. He addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by recent changes, including the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on student-athletes, the role of private equity in college sports, and the importance of collaboration among institutions. Dr. Pines emphasizes the need for a new governance model to ensure fairness and compliance in college athletics while navigating the complexities of leadership in higher education during a time of significant change.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver interviews Sean Frazier, the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Northern Illinois University (NIU). They discuss the evolving landscape of Division I athletics, focusing on NIU's strategic decisions in response to recent NCAA changes, the transfer portal, and the implications of the enrollment cliff. Frazier outlines the critical areas influencing NIU's athletic model, including the NCAA House settlement, name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, and the expansion of the college football playoff. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication with stakeholders and the need for a strategic approach to recruitment and retention in light of demographic shifts. In this conversation, Sean Frazier discusses the integral role of athletics in higher education, emphasizing the importance of using sports as a tool for education and personal development. He highlights the collaborative relationship with the university president, focusing on trust and shared goals for the institution. Frazier addresses the challenges of balancing the strengths of different athletic programs, particularly in the context of conference affiliations. He also navigates the complexities of the new era of college athletics, including the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on student-athletes and the importance of mental health support for staff.

Welcome to the podcast. Today, we'll navigate the crossroads of higher education and college sports. We'll explore how institutions must reassess their place in today's landscape, not where they stood decades ago. Joining me is Father Malachi Van Tassell, President of St. Francis University, to discuss their pivotal Division I transition decision to Division III. 

For so many college students around the country, March Madness creates opportunities to build brackets and watch them dissolve. However, since mobile sports betting became as easy as picking up your phone, the dynamic has changed. My guest today is Dr. Lindsey Mortenson, Chief Mental Health Officer for the University of Michigan, Lindsey is a psychiatrist by training and focuses on the emerging crisis surrounding student mental health on college campuses.

We're joined by journalist Eric Kelderman from the Chronicle of Higher Education. Erik has covered college administration for years, with a focus on the challenges facing campus leaders. From accreditation to finance to public perception, Eric brings deep insight into the forces shaping higher ed.Eric has written many fine pieces for theChronicle; one of his recent pieces was on tiny Lourdes University in Ohio and their struggles with athletics and maintaining enrollment. The title: “We have more athletes than fans”!

Karen Weaver sits down with the News & Observer higher education reporter Korie Dean to discuss a brewing governance battle within the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. They explore a recent controversy involving UNC System President Peter Hans, who called out campus trustees for overstepping their authority—particularly in the high-profile hiring of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick as UNC Chapel Hill’s new football coach. Dean unpacks the power struggles between trustees, chancellors, and the Board of Governors, shedding light on a pattern of trustees asserting influence beyond their advisory role. From athletic department budgets to the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, this episode examines how political and financial pressures are reshaping university leadership. 

Tim Nevius, founder of Nevius Legal and FAIR Sports, discusses the evolving landscape of college athletics, NIL agreements, and revenue-sharing models. He explains FAIR’s role in dispute resolution for athletes, universities, and stakeholders, offering insights on arbitration, mediation, and contractual complexities in college sports. FAIR’s website is https://fairsports.org/

In this insightful episode, Dr. Karen Weaver sits down with Michael LeRoy, a labor and employment relations professor at the University of Illinois, and dive into the implications of NIL contracts and the potential for privatization of collegiate sports. LeRoy reveals surprising details about Big Ten and SEC NIL agreements, the potential sub-licensing of athlete rights, and the looming challenges surrounding Title IX compliance. We also explore why university presidents likely resist athlete unionization, why that may unwittingly benefit the athletes, and how shifting financial models may force mid-major schools to reconsider their place in Division I athletics. This thought-provoking discussion challenges listeners to rethink the direction of college sports and higher education.

My guest is Thomas Ehrlich, Indiana University's president emeritus, former provost at the University of Pennsylvania and Dean of the Stanford Law School. Tom was a member of the Big Ten's COP/C council (Council of Presidents and Chancellors) when Penn State joined the Big Ten and Bobby Knight roamed the sidelines of Hoosier Basketball.Our conversation dives into college athletics, campus politics, and Tom’s new book titled "The Search" which provides a fictional take on searching for a new head football coach as seen from a presidential perspective.  We cover everything from leadership challenges, athletic directors, NCAA controversies, to how money in sports shapes decisions today.Tom is now retired, but he still teaches at Stanford at the age of 90.

My guest is Robert Kelchen, Professor of Education Policy and an expert in higher education finance, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. We cover the Trump administration's "Dear Colleague" letter, to pressures to cut research funding; from retiring the old tropes of the "Flutie Factor" and the "Cinderellas in March Madness" many use to describe the benefits of athletics in driving applications and enrollment.

Join Dr. Karen Weaver as she speaks with sports media experts/consultants John Kosner and Ed Desser about the evolving landscape of college athletics. John and Ed authored the seminal 2021 NCAA Gender Equity Media analysis which identified $80 million of unrealized revenues the NCAA was leaving on the table in their media contracts. Why? Because the NCAA did not believe the women's basketball tournaments had any financial value. In 2025, it's stunning to think that campus and NCAA leaders were blind to the revenue possibilities back then.Today, we know the landscape has changed and John and Ed want to help presidents understand how use media opportunities to differentiate their campuses. They discuss media rights, gender equity, fan engagement, and the financial opportunities in this new world of college sports. From the rise of women's basketball to the impact of technology and private equity, this episode explores how universities can navigate and thrive in this rapidly changing environment.

With the 2025 NCAA Convention fast approaching, I wanted to visit with an attorney who is regular conversations with Division I campuses to navigate their futures. They ask my guest tough questions and she provides legal clarity (as best as is possible in this crazy upside down era). Kelleigh Irwin Fagan is a former college athlete-she co-founded the Sports Law practice at Church Church Hittle + Antrim. 10 years ago. How does a university leader manage the legal unknowns for DI programs? What advice she might offer for trustees and presidents) at this tenuous time? 

Hello, and welcome to the 150th episode of Trustees and Presidents! I’m Karen Weaver.   Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s at the center of the storm in college athletics—change. Why is it so challenging for college athletics to adapt to this new era of likely revenue sharing, NIL, and its evolving role in campus life? Change has become the defining word for both higher education and college sports, and navigating it successfully requires innovative thinking and strategic leadership.   My guest today, Dr. Julie Wollman, President Emerita of Widener University, brings a wealth of experience and fresh insights to this conversation. A nationally recognized innovator in higher education strategy, Dr. Wollman has spent her career leading change. During her presidency at Widener University, she developed a forward-thinking approach to strategy that embraced scenarios and possibilities, focusing on strategic direction rather than outdated tactical plans—a method now recognized as an emerging best practice.   Dr. Wollman also launched the Common Ground initiative, fostering respectful dialogue on challenging topics, which aligns perfectly with today’s need for thoughtful leadership in higher education and athletics. And by the way, Julie is a University of Pennsylvania “professor of practice” and she is my colleague!   As we explore how to embrace resistance, manage friction, and fuel progress, I’ll also share lessons from my own experience leading strategic planning for an athletic departments. This discussion will challenge us to rethink what qualities we should seek in leaders tasked with guiding our institutions—and college athletics—through this era of accelerated change.  

My guest today is a game-changer—both on the national stage and on his own campus.   He’s one of the leading voices in NCAA Division III governance and transformation. As the newly appointed chair of the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, he represents over 430 colleges and universities and 44 voting conferences, advocating for student-athletes and shaping the future of college sports. Oh, and did I mention? He’s also the DIII representative on the NCAA’s prestigious Board of Governors.   But that’s just the start. Back at Juniata College in Central Pennsylvania, where he’s the 12th president, he’s spearheading a renaissance in campus athletics. Under his leadership, Juniata has added five new athletic teams in the past four years, opened a cutting-edge $4 million sports facility, and remains the home of 3-time National Champions in Women’s Volleyball.  Balancing NCAA-level leadership with transformative campus innovations? That’s a story worth telling. 

I'm joined on the podcast by President Geoffrey S. Mearns, the 17th president of Ball State University. Since 2017, he’s led initiatives like *Destination 2040: Our Flight Path*, driving record-breaking enrollment, alumni engagement, and fundraising, while shaping the University’s long-term vision.   Joining him is Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher, Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 2009. With a historic career spanning leadership in all three NCAA Division I Subdivisions, he’s elevated collegiate athletics and championed the student-athlete experience.  The MAC delived a call to action to their colleagues in the NCAA to address the rising levels of post-game altercations (such as the Michigan-Ohio State "flag-planting" incident post-game and fans throwing water bottles at players). Letter: https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2024/12/mac-commissioner-jon-steinbrecher-ncaa-football

Small, private colleges in the Philadelphia area are undergoing significant financial   philanthropy to stabilize. Institutions can stand out for their financial resilience; others show promising signs of recovery through strategic adaptations; still others,seem to be looking at a dim future. I'm joined today by two exceptional reporters at the Philadelphia Inquirer who have closely followed the financial challenges facing 13 small private colleges in the Southeastern PA area, Susan Snyder and Harold Brubaker.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we're diving into one of the most pivotal and complex topics in college athletics today. I'm Dr. Karen Weaver, and joining me are two leading experts in the field, Dr. Steve Dittmore, Dean at the University of North Florida, and Washington Post reporter Jesse Dougherty. Together, we’ll unravel the challenges facing small colleges as they navigate athletics and financial sustainability in the rapidly changing landscape of higher education. We'll examine real-world cases, like Notre Dame College of Ohio’s recent closure, Mount St. Mary's innovative addition of women’s flag football, and the financial struggles impacting small colleges in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Plus, we'll touch on how larger schools like Ohio State are setting new standards for athletic support, and we’ll take a closer look at schools making bold shifts, like the University of Hartford moving from Division I to Division III. Whether you're a college administrator, trustee, or just passionate about the future of college sports, this conversation promises to shed light on the pressing questions and potential paths forward in this evolving world

Welcome to the podcast! Today, we’re joined by Dr. Eric N. Monday, Executive Vice President at the University of Kentucky, as he shares insights on the role of UK’s brand in the community and the evolving landscape of college athletics. We discuss revenue challenges, private equity, infrastructure investments, and the future of student-athlete opportunities. Dr. Monday also discusses Kentucky’s strategies in growing revenue, as well as driving greater engagement from leadership to strengthen their position in athletics

Today I'm joined by three journalists from the Washington Post to discuss their deeply reported series on NIL and college athletics. Albert Samaha is a sports investigative reporter at The Washington Post and author of two books. His latest book, "Concepcion: Conquest, Colonialism, and an Immigrant Family’s Fate," was a finalist for the 2021 National Book Critics Circle Award in Autobiography. His first book, "Never Ran, Never Will: Boyhood and Football in a Changing American Inner City," was winner of the New York Society Library’s 2018 Hornblower Award, a finalist for the 2019 PEN/ESPN Literary Sports Writing Award, and adapted into the Netflix docuseries "We Are: The Brooklyn Saints." Originally from Northern California, he lives in Brooklyn.   Emily Giambalvo is a sports reporter focusing on data-driven projects with the enterprise and investigations team. She covered University of Maryland football and men’s basketball from 2018 to 2023, and she has contributed to The Post’s coverage of the Olympics, gymnastics and national college sports. Emily grew up in South Carolina and graduated from the University of Georgia.   Jesse Dougherty is a college sports reporter for the Washington Post, focusing on business and NIL. He previously covered the Washington Nationals (2018-23) and high school sports. Before joining the Post in February 2017, he briefly covered the NHL and NBA for the Los Angeles Times. Jesse was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Syracuse University.

Welcome to the podcast! I’m Karen Weaver, and today we’re tackling the evolving world of college athletics with my guest, the legendary John Canzano, reporter, owner of the substack site Bald Faced Truth and radio host. John’s career has given him a front-row seat to the conversations happening at the highest levels of college sports, with university presidents. We’re digging into the major shifts—like the move from an academic-driven model to a business-focused approach powered by massive TV deals.  We’ll also explore the potential split between football and basketball, the impact on Olympic sports, athlete unionization, and the challenges university leaders face in balancing financial pressures with their academic missions. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to today's episode, where we’ll dive into the latest developments in the House v NCAA case. It’s a legal battle that could transform college sports forever., The attorneys in this case filed a revised settlement proposal aiming to address key concerns expressed by the Judge in this case, including the controversial term "boosters."  For those unfamiliar, a "booster" refers to individuals or groups who financially support college athletic programs, often blurring lines between supporting the team and directly influencing athlete recruitment, which raises issues around “pay for play.”  Joining me to break down this proposal are two experts: Mit Winter, a leading lawyer in college athlete NIL rights, and Brandon Copeland, co-CEO of Athletes.org and former NFL player. Together, we’ll explore the legal and athlete perspectives on this pivotal moment in college sports. After Judge Claudia Wilken approved this settlement, what are the vulnerabilities? Let’s find out. Brandon Copeland (Professor Cope) is a ten-year NFL veteran, the author of "Your Money Playbook" and co-founder of Athletes.org, the players' association for college athletes. A member of CNBC's Global Financial Wellness Council, Copeland is dedicated to financial education and was the first NFL player to teach financial literacy at the University of Pennsylvania. Mit Winter focuses his practice on helping businesses of all types and sizes navigate complex challenges, with considerable experience assisting companies in general commercial litigation and business disputes, business formation and transactions, class action litigation, intellectual property matters, and a broad array of collegiate sports matters. With respect to the latter, Mit is recognized as a leading college athlete name, image, and likeness lawyer and is sought out by clients and the media for this expertise

My guest today is Dr. Welch Suggs, Associate Professor in journalism and mass communications at the University of Georgia. Welch and his colleagues had a study published in Spring 2024 with the journal Research in Higher Education that may be interesting for university leaders to consider. Simply speaking, adding a college football team may not be the enrollment panacea once believed.   The conversation revolves around three key points:   1. Adding a football program results in a short-term spike in enrollment, but no long-term increase in overall enrollment, tuition revenue, or male/diversity enrollment.   2. After the initial spike from recruiting football players, enrollment patterns tend to shift back over time, with the new football players essentially replacing other students who would have enrolled anyway.   3. In their final analysis comparing schools that added football to those that didn't found no significant long-term differences in enrollment numbers, tuition revenue, or gender/racial makeup of the student body, unless the schools did something very specific beyond just adding football.   Its an important consideration in the higher education space that is dealing with varying enrollment challenges. I think you’ll enjoy the conversation.  The Forbes.com referenced in the podcast is available here: "In A Rising Tide Of College Closures, Impact On Division III Athletics Becomes Clear" https://www.forbes.com/sites/karenweaver/2024/04/30/in-a-rising-tide-of-college-closures-impact-on-division-iii-athletics-becomes-clear/?sh=527ed08170f3

The 2024 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball tournament broke all kinds of viewership records. From Iowa and Caitlin Clark, to Angel Reese and LSU, to Dawn Staley's undefeated and national champion USC Gamecocks, it was a tournament to remember. I've invited Jill Bodensteiner back to the podcast to take us inside the NCAA team selection process for this marquee event. Take a peek behind the scenes of NCAA Women's Basketball in the Selection Room. Join committee members during conference tournaments in Indianapolis as they discuss team selection and seating arrangements. Experience the process firsthand as criteria are reviewed, rules are followed, and brackets are formed. From thoughtful deliberations to collaborative decision-making, explore the careful planning that goes into creating the tournament. It's an inside look at the dedication and attention to detail that define NCAA Women's Basketball. Here's the link to the Synergy app that Jill mentioned in the conversation.

Jim Cavale, founder and Chairman of Athletes.org, joins the podcast. Athletes.org, serves as a players association for college athletes. It is dedicated to maximizing their income, amplifying their voices, and providing on-demand support for key decisions as they navigate college athletics and beyond. AO enables college athletes to have a say in crucial matters affecting their future.    The American Council of Education provided a statement to Congress advocating against Dartmouth’s men’s basketball team joining a campus union. This statement is what precipitated my conversation with Jim.   We talk directly about the issues higher education is most fearful of: athlete organizing and collective bargaining. In our conversation, Jim stresses the need for dialogue and collaboration with athletes to resolve issues. If college athletics intends to restructure, it must focus on maximizing revenue and ensuring equitable sharing across programs.    We also discuss what private equity bring to the table-offering an initial financial boost with potentially injecting millions into athletics departments. Jim stresses fair opportunities and regionalizing sports to optimize resources and support all athletes.   Here is the link to the ACE document noted in the podcast https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Statement-NLRB-House-Hearing-031224.pdf

Today we welcome back Jason Belzer, CEO of Student-Athlete NIL (SANIL), a company that is leading the field in athletes leveraging their NIL opportunities. Jason launched the Student Athlete NIL Summit in Atlanta in 2023 (attracting over 500 athletes) and  his company today supports over 1500 athletes in managing their NIL contracts and transactions.   Jason is at the forefront of navigating the evolution of this still very young industry. This conversation is a great opportunity for presidents to look around the corner and see what’s next.

Joining me for the conversation today is the Big Ten Conference’s Chief Medical Officer, Jim Borchers. Jim is the former Ohio State team physician and current president of the US Council for Athlete Health. We discuss the growing challenges facing athletic healthcare professionals, including burnout among athletic trainers, pressures from coaches and parents, need for independent medical authority, and advice for college presidents to prioritize athlete health and safety. Today, more than ever, this is an important conversation for campus leaders to hear.

Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the substantial changes in college athletics, particularly as they impact schools that do not play big-time football. Called basketball-centric schools, they have to navigate the transfer portal, NIL, conference realignment and other tidal waves at a time where their primary revenue source is success in March—March Madness.

Today I’m joined by Jill Bodensteiner, the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Saint Joseph’s University. Jill is a member of several key NCAA DI Committees imagining the future of college athletics. Ironically, it was 20 years ago this month that the St. Joe’s men’s basketball team was at the top of the world. Undefeated and ranked #1 in the nation, the team brought excitement to campus that only a few schools get to experience. Today, the realignment winds have blown through NCAA sports, and St. Joe’s has had to recalibrate around culture and transparency.   Bodensteiner discusses the challenge of managing rosters and team culture in a transfer friendly environment, the battle to keep athletes from being employees and union members, and the overall challenges facing higher education today.

On today’s podcast, we discuss the opportunities and challenges in streaming hundreds of live events from Division II and III campuses. The money is nowhere near the millions pouring in to some Division I programs, so the question becomes what makes it worth the significant effort?   My guests today are Steve Ulrich, a pioneer in media and tech usage when he was the long time commissioner of the Centennial Conference; Katie Boldvich, the commissioner of the Landmark Conference, the first to partner with Flo Sports (who is jumping into the space with both feet), and Ryan Scott from d3hoops.com, who has chronicled the workload increases being made on athletic communications professionals on these campuses.   Thinking about streaming? Take a listen to these experts!

My guests today are two national leaders in the college athlete’s rights space. Congresswoman Lori Trahan from Massachusetts has been an outspoken advocate for college sports reform and for strengthening Title IX compliance. Chase Griffin, UCLA Quarterback and National NIL Athlete of the Year, recently appeared at a Congressional hearing and spoke of the synergies NIL opportunities have with the purpose of higher education.   Three important takeaways for presidents came from this conversation: 1.    Open direct lines of communication with student athletes to understand their perspectives and needs. As Chase Griffin emphasized, presidents should not rely solely on athletic directors or coaches to represent athlete views.  2.    Prioritize Title IX compliance and closing loopholes that disadvantage women's sports. Strengthening Title IX enforcement is an urgent need that presidents have power to address now. 3.    Prepare for coming changes like NIL rights and revenue sharing that will further empower student athletes. Presidents should engage positively with these changes rather than resist them, as the athletes themselves are driving this progress.

On the podcast, we welcome back Dr. Holden Thorp, Editor in Chief of Science, and Professor of Chemistry and Medicine at George Washington University. Holden has closely followed the challenges the Atlantic Coast Conference faces. With Florida State in open revolt and trying to leave the ACC as soon as they can, to the internal political battles that loom over any moves by North Carolina, North Carolina State and Duke, and what the future holds for this venerable athletic conference.   Holden asks the fundamental question that many are beginning to wonder-can college presidents really manage what athletics has become? Should the elite programs separate from the university? As the former chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill, he brings a deep insight into the conversation.

Deep inside the Prudential Center, the home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, thirty-seven-year-old Michael B. Jordan was shuffling a deck of cards. You’re a card player, I asked? He said, yes, and he listed a few games, some of which I’ve heard of, some not. He seemed at ease. He had just done a pre-recorded hit for NBC’s the Today Show, and was about to do an interview with me. Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2014 for Hollywood and Entertainment, Jordan has since added to his impressive list of accomplishments major leading roles in three movies, “Black Panther”, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, and “Creed”. His net worth is pegged at $25 million. Now he wants to climb to the top of the sports world. I asked him what his ultimate goal was. With a serious look, he said, “I want to own an NBA franchise”. Jordan knows what equity and wealth have meant to him. Now it was time to share that insight with others who grew up like him. Just before the launch of the two day Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, a showcase tournament for four HBCU men’s basketball teams in Newark, NJ, I was invited to exclusively interview Michael for Forbes.com. Over the 30 minutes we spent together, Michael shared wisdom and insight that is valuable to everyone, but in particular, college athletes trying to navigate the great financial potential of name, images and likeness.   Here is my conversation, recorded February 2, 2024. You can learn more about the Legacy Classic and that historic weekend in my piece for Forbes.

An emerging trend on larger college campuses is the creation of innovation districts. Typically located adjacent to the campus (or in the case of colleges with multiple campuses, the main location), these ecosystems involve businesses, residential and entertainment/sports options, creating a “24 hour a day” energy to an otherwise sleepy part of town. The upside of this trend is obvious to real estate businesses; increasingly, colleges are realizing the potential these have to create a new campus spirit.   My guest today is Erik Williams, the Real Estate Practice Chair at Saul Ewing LLP. Erik has extensive experience in this industry and is based in Philadelphia, an emerging hub in innovation districts. We also discuss the potential for using this financial vehicle to further energize NIL possibilities for college athletes.    

The worlds of higher education and college athletics are changing so fast, it's dizzying. Those who work in the industry are hit with change seemingly every day.  How are your students, faculty, coaches and others handling all the challenges in their world?   Enter Real Response. Originally a tool for college athletes to speak up and share their experiences with athletic administrators has evolved into a multi purposed, multi faceted way used to solve problems facing college campuses today (and not just in athletics).   Leveraging the comfort that Gen Z has with texting on their phones, Real Response provides a way to give instant feedback on support staff, athletic training, strength and conditioning, to more complex, difficult to talk about areas like sexual assault, guns in the locker rooms and inappropriate relationships. The end result may mean that administrators get to hear about these issues much earlier in the process, get them the help they need more quickly, and hopefully changing the behavior sooner.   I’m joined today by David Chadwick and Samantha Huge. David is the CEO of Real Response and Samantha is the EVP of Collegiate Athletics. Both bring important information to the table that allows presidents and leaders to learn about tools available to them to assess constituent feedback and get ahead of potentially serious issues.  

You've likely heard the old adage, "I'm shocked-there's gambling in this establishment?". While it is an old movie line, it applies to today's college campus. College students (and others) are betting on sports on their phones, hourly, daily and sometimes, more often.  With sports betting now legal in over 35 states, college presidents and campus leaders must address the explosion of this new form of entertainment now, both from a mental and emotional health perspective AND because some may be betting on your own teams and players. It doesn't matter what Division or sport-if the game is being played, there is likely someone wagering on it. A longtime newspaper reporter and editor, David Purdum began covering the sports betting industry in 2008. He chronicled the nearly 10-year legal battle that led to sports betting expansion after a ruling from the United States Supreme Court in May 2018. A husband and father, who coaches competitive youth soccer in his free time, Purdum is now in his ninth year with ESPN. 

For the past 20 years, it seems as if wherever there’s been a sports law story involving athlete rights, Michael McCann has been near the epicenter of it. Whether it was as a member of former Ohio State player Maurice Clarett’s legal team in the groundbreaking Clarett v NFL, case; co-authoring a book with Ed O’Bannon, the former UCLA men’s basketball player who found his likeness had been sold off by the NCAA to EA Sports for a college basketball video game, or writing for Sports Illustrated or Sportico, Michael McCann has been both in the trenches and writing about them. Michael McCann is a Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Founding Director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, where he is also Professor of Law. Our conversation centers around recent key developments in Johnson v NCAA, including the decision by the judge to certify class action status for all Power 5 athletes with regards to BNIL; the new ability for the NLRB to certify joint employer status in cases beginning later this year; Dartmouth’s MBB unionization appeal as we begin the basketball season,  and his stark predictions for the future of college sports.

Last week, former players in Northwestern's Football Program appeared at a press conference with attorneys who are representing them. What are they asking for? Simple-cultural change and restitution on behalf of dozens of Northwestern athletes who have alleged similar behavior. The podcast opens with a sound clip from plaintiff’s attorney Parker Stinar from the press conference. Why do institutions fail to protect its athletes from this abusive behavior? Has it always been this way? I’m joined by higher education scholar, former provost and dean at several high profile universities who has studied the reactions of both institutions and leaders during and after these crises. My guest is Don Heller, the retired Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of San Francisco and former Dean and faculty member at Michigan State and Penn State respectively. This podcast may be difficult to hear some of the terminology describing the alleged behaviors of former coaches and administrators, but it is an important conversation to have. Don’s article here: How Weak Leadership Enables Campus Scandals

When it comes to the "old definition of amateurism", the NCAA is under legal assault on at least 3 different fronts.  Our podcast conversation today focuses on three pending legal cases involving athletes as employees-Dartmouth’s men’s basketball team attempting to unionize; Johnson v NCAA, with the plaintiffs arguing athletes should be treated as employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act; and the NLRB upcoming hearings probing whether USC, the Pac-12 and the NCAA are treating athletes as they would an employee. A prominent journalist and a legal scholar join me today to talk about the 3 cases moving their way through the political and legal systems involving athletes as employees.  Sam C. Ehrlich, JD/PhD is an assistant professor of legal studies at Boise State University. Sam’s research focuses on the legal governance of sports leagues, specifically through sport-specific antitrust exemptions, athlete fairness in collective bargaining and employment, and tort and constitutional liability for overseeing athletic organizations. Amanda Christovich is a reporter at Front Office Sports based in New York City covering the business of college sports. Her work has previously appeared in USA TODAY and The Wall Street Journal. She plans to be in the NLRB hearing covering the arguments in December 2023. All three cases are moving ahead in an environment where the NCAA is also putting great pressure on Congress to decide the definition of amateurism in college athletics in a post-Alston world. These cases could fundamentally alter college athletics. Let’s get started.

Kicking off the fifth season of this podcast, West Georgia President ⁠Brendan Kelly⁠ takes us inside the decision to move their  athletics program from Division II, where they were highly successful, especially in football,  to Division I. Kelly began his tenure in March 2020, as the campus (and most of the world) closed down for the pandemic. 3+ years later, he and his team took a deeper look at where the institution is coming out of a disruptive event. With his former conference changing members, he began conversations with the ASUN about joining them. Their response? "We'd love to have you." Kelly said "This is not just an elevation of UWG Athletics. It raises the expectations – and visibility – of our institution as a whole." ⁠We are One website⁠

Chase Griffin, a UCLA quarterback heading for his third year in 2023, has a boatload of great insight and advice for senior campus leaders about how NIL really works. In this conversation, he tells us his perspective and shares how he brings his personal mission and beliefs into his work on and off the field. Since 2019, he has earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and is on track to earn his second master's degree before he completes his football eligibility. Griffin is also involved in charitable NIL endeavors, including the L.A. Food Bank. He understands deeply the challenges food insecurity brings to a campus and its surrounding areas. Chase is also an active contributor to Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Lori Trahan's most recent NIL bill, submitted for consideration at the end of July. In the release from Murphy's office, Griffin said: "For the past two years NIL has enabled college athletes, like me, to become small business owners, taxpayers, support the families that raised us, contribute to charities, and re-invest in the communities that we represent. My lived experience with NIL is why I wholeheartedly support Senator Murphy, Congresswoman Trahan, and the College Athlete Economic Freedom Act. This legislation codifies our NIL rights, preserves the economic progress that we have already made, and aligns the United States Congress with college athletes on the right side of history." This is a must-listen podcast to understand an insider's perspective on what the future holds for big-time college athletes.

How can colleges and universities creatively leverage new trends in finance? Technology? Real Estate? NIL? This conversation provides valuable Insight from long-time higher ed consultants: Baker Tilly's Adrienne Larmett and Dave Capitano. We discuss mergers/acquisitions, reimagining too much or too little housing space on campus, should private equity and NIL deals include private off-campus housing for college athletes, and other emerging ideas. Dave and Adrienne have worked alongside NCAA Division I, II and III campuses as they wrestle with these new challenges. It's an interesting way to consider the new ways campuses are becoming more resilient in the 21st century. Here's a link to our previous discussion referenced in the podcast.

In early June 2023, the second annual NIL Summit was held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 500 athletes traveled to Georgia to talk about NIL and grow their understanding of how to maximize their opportunities. The amount of attention and interest in what college athletes might be able to earn via this marketplace is still being established. One thing is for certain, though... the sky appears to be the limit. My guest is Jason Belzer, the co-founder and CEO of Student-Athlete NIL (SANIL). It is the agency of record that specializes in assisting brands, universitiesand student-athletes navigate the new era of name, image and likeness. Belzer's company manages 30+ NIL collectives at universities acrossthe country, including: Roll The Quad (Wake Forest). The Tech Way (Georgia Tech), Knights Of The Raritan (Rutgers) and Crimson & Cream (Oklahoma) (recently recognized by Sports Business Journal as a Power Player in the NIL space). Jason offers senior campus leaders an essential perspective in this fast-changing space.

Why aren't more women holding Division I college presidencies? While smaller colleges (especially community colleges) have seen significant growth in women leading institutions, the numbers dwindle as you move towards Division I. Is there a perception that women presidents can't manage big-time college sports? An important discussion about presidents, college sports and the 2023 ACE Study on Presidents in Higher Education. My guest is Dr. Pamela Eddy, a professor of higher education at the College of William and Mary. Her research interests include community college leadership and development, organizational change and educational partnerships, gender roles in higher education, and faculty development. Dr. Eddy serves as a consultant for campuses, system offices, and on funded grants regarding strategies to support community college student success and to support leadership development. Dr. Eddy wrote an insightful article for Inside Higher Ed on women and leadership. Read it here.

We are joined today by Sports and Data Rights Attorney Michael Clohisy. He is a Boston-based sports attorney, business executive, board member, and former certified National Football League (NFL) player-agent, who has advised clients and matters involving: data rights, privacy and protection in sport; athletes’ digital, publicity (US) – name, image, and likeness—NIL, image (UK) and personality (EU) rights; structuring and negotiating contracts for professional athletes, coaches and senior front office executives; sports technology; the National Football League (NFL) and National Football League Players Association (NFLPA); anti-doping, integrity and ethics; the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); EU and UK football/soccer players and clubs; mediation and arbitration hearings; and gaming and gambling enterprises.    Some of his high profile clients include basketball superstars George "The Iceman" Gervin and Lynette Woodard. Michael's efforts also involve IOWNME. IOWNME has created a new paradigm for individuals to manage digital assets, privacy, identity, and brand underpinned by digital identity and data rights ownership. Asset values of digital identity and data rights are rising and will continue to grow, especially for athletes, artists, musicians, and other celebrities.   ​Establishing ownership and authenticity are critical to monetizing these assets.  IPrivata puts the individual in control. Own and authenticates digital identity and data rights.    Monetize these crucial assets.  Protect these assets under well-established IP-based laws worldwide

Higher Ed scholars and faculty are near unanimous in their agreement—the job of being a college or university president today is as difficult as ever. With stressors from finances, to enrollment and state-wide politics, every day is a new adventure. For those whose presidencies are in states like Florida and Texas, the pressures on both presidents and trustees from governors and legislatures is even higher.   My guest today studies higher education from a policy and governance perspective. Michael S. Harris is a professor of higher education and Chair of the Department of Education Policy and Leadership in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University. He will serve as the SMU Faculty Senate President and Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees during 2023-2024. His primary research interests consider the culture, strategy, and behavior of higher education institutions. His work has been published in leading higher education journals such as The Journal of Higher Education, Research in Higher Education, Higher Education, Innovative Higher Education, Higher Education Policy, and reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education and The Atlantic.   Michael and I have a wide-ranging conversation about athletics, politics, faculty oversight, and discuss his upcoming role leading the faculty senate at SMU, while throwing in a few thoughts on what a future in the Pac-12 might look like.

From the perspective of the NCAA's National Office, no one has seen more change in the last 35 years than former VP Dan Dutcher. From 2 Divisions to 3, all the while working with countless coaches, presidents, athletics directors and colleagues, Dan has seen it all. He joins me today to talk about the challenges facing Division III institutions (and their leaders) today. The overwhelming number of Division III institutions are small, private, liberal arts institutions. Faced with shifting demographics in the North East and Upper Midwest, enrollment managers have begun to partner with coaches and athletics departments to co-curate incoming classes of students. It's a shift that has only materialized in the last five years and will only grow in importance over the next decade. How are the NCAA members adjusting to the new landscape of athletes becoming a crucial part of the financial success and survival of many of these well-known schools. Dan retired as the NCAA Vice President for Division III in early 2021, concluding a distinguished thirty-five-year career with the Association. He currently serves as a collegiate athletics consultant. He led Division III, the NCAA’s largest division, for 25 years.  In that role, he served as chief staff liaison to the Division III Presidents Council and Division III Management Council and oversaw the division’s 30 other committees.  He was directly responsible for Division III’s strategic plan, policy process, and its $30M annual budget. He also served on the NCAA President’s Cabinet.

We know college athletics is undergoing a substantive transformation. And partially due to Covid and other factors, including demographic shifts across the nation, so is higher education. College presidents are under tremendous pressure to CHANGE and REINVENT their campuses, yet what they are initially hired to do often is not what they end up doing. Case in point-Temple University's now former president, Jason Wingard, resigned after just two years of campus challenges, many of which were somewhat out of his individual control. My guests today will share some of their insights and general conversations they have with university presidents daily. From managing the board of trustees, to dealing with college athletics, the job has never been more challenging. I've invited them back because they add value to our discussions around leadership and college athletics. Adrienne Larmett is a principal in Baker Tilly’s risk advisory practice, with more than 17 years of professional consulting experience. Adrienne specializes in providing services to higher education and research institutions, working with clients to provide guidance in the areas of internal audit, risk advisory, enterprise risk management, sponsored research compliance and fraud investigation related services. As the firm’s higher education practice leader, Dave Capitano provides oversight to more than 200 team members serving over 400 public and private colleges, universities, research institutions and academic medical centers across the United States. Dave has more than 30 years of experience working with college and university leadership and boards in a variety of strategic advisory and accounting areas. He takes a hands-on approach working collaboratively with institutional leadership to provide guidance and advice to be sustainable and resilient. NOTE: This podcast was recorded before the LSU v Iowa national championship game-congrats LSU! 😊

Much has been covered about NIL and college athletes, but one topic we don't hear much about is---taxes. If you make over $600 in a year from NIL, an athlete should receive a 1099. However, the categories of how athletes are being paid vary---from cash, to Venmo, to crypto to NFTs. How does this work? And what about athletes that are starting their own microbusinesses, like Caitlyn Clark (Iowa), who launched a popcorn business and Caleb Love (UNC) who started an ice cream enterprise? How should they plan ahead for the inevitable tax bill? And asking athletes to organize their finances and file during the height of tax season (and March Madness) can add to the frustration. Lisa Greene-Lewis is a CPA and tax expert for TurboTax. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in tax preparation. Her success is attributed to being able to interpret tax laws and help clients better understand them. She has held positions as a public auditor, controller, and operations manager. Lisa has appeared on the Steve Harvey Show, the Ellen Show, and major news broadcasts to break down tax laws and help taxpayers understand what tax laws mean to them. For Lisa, getting timely and accurate information out to taxpayers to help them keep more of their money is paramount. Visit her blog here.⁠

Eric Barron’s career has been built on innovation. From his time as Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (and as founding director of the Earth System Science Center), to his presidencies at both Florida State University and Penn State University, he has focused broadly on how to do things better.   At both Penn State and Florida State, he has dealt with high profile Division I athletics programs. He is deeply aware of the challenges and opportunities inherent in today’s athletics landscape, and believes the expanded college football playoff to 12 teams offers the best chance to provide both more athletes the opportunity to compete and for the new revenues to be dedicated to athlete health and wellness, among many other pressing issues.    Now a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, Barron’s work once again puts him in a place where innovation and creativity are key. He joins me for a fascinating and honest conversation about big-time college sports today. We start with a discussion of his insightful op-ed for the Sports Business Journal.