WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Atlantic 10 Conference Presidents Council concluded its annual June Business Meeting Tuesday, with the league’s Athletic Directors in attendance. Highlights included a joint meeting with Institutional Government Relations Representatives, focusing discussion and strategic planning on the current name image and likeness (NIL) environment. Also joining the meeting was NCAA President Charlie Baker, who briefed the Council and Athletic Directors on important priorities related to NIL, student-athlete welfare, mental health and future goals of the association.
The joint sessions were a proactive response to the increased involvement of state legislators in college athletics related to name image and likeness (NIL) and student-athlete classification. Developing a strategic plan to create consistency between 50 states, currently acting independently, in policies impacting student-athlete opportunities available through NIL was an important discussion.
“The A-10 Presidents Council is highly engaged in NCAA governance, as evidenced by the productive conversation with President Baker on the issues that directly impact Division I intercollegiate athletics, the Atlantic 10 and our student-athletes,” stated Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “The opportunity to meet in Washington, D.C. with presidents, athletic directors, campus government relations staff and legal counsel was very beneficial. We had time to understand the various state legislative bills that are looming or in process, and brief each other as to the best course of action moving forward in the fluid environment of NCAA Division I.”
The council conducted an in-depth conversation regarding the student-athlete transfer portal, mental health initiatives, the DEI work of the A-10 Commission on Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the potential perils of legalized sports gambling in college athletics. The discussions also reviewed the NCAA directive to increase the voice of student-athletes in conference decision-making meetings. As one of the first Division I conferences to include student-athlete representation in conference meetings beginning in 2015, the A-10 is well positioned to continue this practice and expand the student-athlete voice in not only the annual governance process but committee representation as well.
“As the landscape of college athletics changes, the Atlantic 10 must remain at the forefront. And our conversation with President Baker and the Athletic Director’s strategic planning session with our government relations staff were both important in maintaining that status with the A-10 as a national leader,” said Dayton President Dr. Eric F. Spina. “I commend my colleagues on their work and discussion in Tuesday’s meeting that keeps our conference well-positioned nationally.”
Dayton Athletic Director Neil Sullivan provided a report from the Annual May Athletic Directors meeting, which included men’s and women’s basketball advancement discussions and a review of the A-10 television and media rights status.
The Presidents Council approved the 2023-24 league operating budget and a 2023 supplemental financial distribution for each member institution totaling $1.5 million. The Council also approved the Athletic Directors’ recommendation for a new initiative expanding the conference student-athlete awards program, honoring the top 30 student-athletes by providing each institution with an Atlantic 10 Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award at the conclusion of each academic year, beginning in 2023-24.
Support was unanimous in continuing the work of the Atlantic 10 men’s and women’s basketball advancement committee, which is focused on enhancing the national brand of A-10 basketball, advancing multiple teams to post season play and continuing the student-athlete leadership development seminars that began pre-COVID. The women’s basketball schedule was also increased to 18 conference games, beginning with the 2023-24 season.
New state-of-the-art competition venues were announced for women’s basketball (Henrico County Sports & Events Center), men’s and women’s swimming (Hampton Aquaplex) and indoor track and field (Virginia Beach Sports Center). Additionally, Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., were reviewed as the sites of the 2024 and 2025 men’s basketball championship.
Loyola Chicago President Dr. Mark C. Reed, whose tenure as Presidents Council chair is coming to a close, was recognized by the other members of the Council. Dr. Reed will transition on to the NCAA Board of Directors beginning Oct. 1, 2023. Dr. Spina was named incoming Chair of the Presidents Council, beginning a three-year term July 1, 2023. Two Council members were also recognized: Massachusetts Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, who is retiring at the end of June and George Washington President Dr. Mark Wrighton, who will complete his presidency at the end of June.