Dr. Karen Weaver and Melanie Bennett discuss the top risks facing college athletics as identified by United Educators, a risk management and liability insurance company. They explore various themes, including the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, health risks such as concussions, legal considerations in risk management, emergency…
From gambling busts to coaching chaos, discover why S&P Global analysts now spend more time talking about athletics than ever before—and what it means for your institution's financial future. In this eye-opening conversation, S&P Global rating analysts Beth Bishop and Ken Rodgers reveal how a single headline can trigger years…
College athletics is increasingly financially strained, running deficits as costs skyrocket. Yet revenues remain undervalued, especially in sponsorship, despite massive fan engagement, media consumption, and attendance. Unlocking growth requires commercially minded leadership, new revenue streams, cost discipline, and corporate-style structures to modernize the business model and fully monetize college sports.…
What do University Leaders need to know about the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961? Tulane law professor Gabe Feldman joins the conversation where he discusses this and other key legal issues for college sports to keep an eye on for 2026. Feldman explains that while the NFL has successfully pooled…
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the need for institutions to adapt and prioritize the well-being of their students has never been more crucial. In a recent podcast episode featuring Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned educator and former president of Spelman College, we delve into an audacious decision…
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the need for institutions to adapt and prioritize the well-being of their students has never been more crucial. In a recent podcast episode featuring Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned educator and former president of Spelman College, we delve into an audacious decision…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
"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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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.…