There is a movement underway to address the challenges and complexities that college sports face due to issues like NIL, the transfer portal, and legal concerns with the NCAA. This initiative proposes a “Super League” that would encompass 80 teams, with 70 of them coming from the existing Power Four conferences.
The concept is comprehensive, featuring a national playoff format and drawing inspiration from professional sports leagues like the Premier Soccer League and the NFL. It would be overseen by a commissioner and could potentially include measures such as salary caps, compensation for players, and stricter control over NIL and the transfer portal.
The Athletic detailed this proposal, citing insights from a group of 20 influential sports experts who have conducted research to revamp college sports and phase out the NCAA. Gordon Gee, a Utah native and former BYU law professor who served as president of Ohio State University and now leads West Virginia University, is among the key figures driving this initiative.
According to Syracuse chancellor Kent Syverud, “The current model for governing and managing college athletics is dead.” Gee emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, “We are in an existential crisis.”
Notable members of this group include NFL executive Brian Rolapp, Philadelphia 76ers owner David Blitzer, and Len Perna of TurnkeyZRG, a firm instrumental in hiring top conference commissioners and recently facilitating the appointment of the Big Ten’s Tony Petitti.
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