A Recap of the Knight Commission Public Session

A packed conference room in Washington, D.C. was the setting in mid-September for a pivotal public session of the Knight Commission. Student-athletes, university presidents, athletic directors, conference commissioners, NCAA staff members, lawyers and consultants were on hand, while many others tuned in virtually from across the country.

The topic at hand: how to handle the continuing impact of the House settlement, athlete employment and other aspects of the ever-changing collegiate athletics world. The event included two sessions packed with expert insight; we’ve summarized the main points covered.

Session 1: Legal Analysis of the Proposed House Settlement and College Athlete Employment Cases

Panelists:

• Jill Bodensteiner – Vice President and Director of Athletics, St. Joseph’s University
• Gabe Feldman – Director of Tulane University Sports Law Program and legal consultant for the Knight Commission
• Janet Judge – Partner at Education & Sports Law Group LLC.

Legal experts dissected the ongoing disputes over the potential employment of college athletes. Participants discussed the critical implications for Title IX — the federal law that prevents gender discrimination in educational institutions — and how Title IX could apply to revenue sharing for athletes. It’s a topic that could have a significant impact on college sports.

The possibility of classifying athletes as employees raised important questions about compensation, benefits and the far-reaching consequences for Title IX compliance. As schools consider how to distribute wages and benefits to athletes, they will need to carefully navigate gender equity regulations to avoid legal pitfalls.

Session 2: Designing a New Model for Division I College Sports in the Face of Legal Realities

Panelists:

• Michael Cross – Commissioner, Southern Conference
• Janet Cone – Senior Administrator for University Enterprises & Athletics Director, UNC Asheville
• Anthony Egbo – Vice-chair, NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; former football player, Abilene Christian University
• Meredith Page – Vice-chair, NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; volleyball athlete, Radford University

The second session focused on how college sports administrators and athletes could redesign the Division I model to address the mounting legal complexities. This session featured leaders from institutions competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and non-football Division I schools, representing a subgroup of 220 institutions and more than 100,000 athletes. The panelists identified key elements for change that could help schools stay compliant with emerging legal standards while maintaining the core values of college sports.

These leaders presented a conceptual blueprint for how Division I institutions could work with the changing legal situation while continuing to support their athletes. They stressed the importance of collaboration among institutions and outlined strategies for balancing legal compliance with the need to provide equitable opportunities and benefits for athletes.

For anyone doubting that college athletics is worth preserving, the powerful testimonies of Meredith Page, a current student-athlete at Radford University, and Anthony Egbo, a recent graduate and former student-athlete at Abilene Christian University, offered compelling evidence.

Both Page and Egbo provided passionate, clear suggestions on how student-athletes themselves could help solve some of the pressing issues in college sports. Their focus wasn’t on relying solely on advocacy groups but rather on strengthening a structure already in place at every institution: the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC). They emphasized the vital role student-athletes can play in addressing the challenges and shaping the future of college athletics.

Moving Forward: Facing Challenges in College Athletics

Both sessions provided attendees with a clear understanding of the legal and structural challenges that face college athletics today. We’re looking at potential shifts in athlete classification, Title IX implications and new models for Division I sports on the horizon. The path forward will require thoughtful planning, innovative solutions and increased collaboration.

Staying informed and seeking specialized guidance is important to manage your risks as you start to develop strategies. Our collegiate athletics CPAs and consultants are committed to helping you navigate this new era of college athletics with confidence and clarity, ensuring your institution is positioned for success.

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