Exploring the Future of College Athletics: A Symposium on Name, Image, and Likeness, Unionization, and More
The landscape of college sports is rapidly evolving, with significant changes reshaping the way student-athletes navigate their collegiate careers. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has shifted athletics towards a pay-for-play model, while the transfer portal has given athletes newfound freedom to move between programs as they see fit. However, perhaps the most groundbreaking development came last month when the Dartmouth College men’s basketball team voted to unionize, becoming the first group of student-athletes in the country to form a bargaining unit.
In response to these changes, the Center for Sports Media and Center for Sports Management recently hosted an event to address the pressing issues facing college sports. The discussion, led by esteemed experts in the field, covered topics ranging from NIL and unionization to the transfer portal and the numerous lawsuits against the NCAA. This event provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with influential thought leaders in the world of athletics.
Center for Sports Media Founder Bob Ley set the stage for the event, welcoming Center for Sports Management Director Charles Grantham and former Congressman and NBA player Thomas McMillan to discuss the current state of college athletics. Grantham, a pioneer in student-athlete compensation advocacy, emphasized the need for reform in college sports, while McMillan highlighted the importance of aligning athletic programs with educational opportunities.
Following this discussion, a panel of experts, including journalist Dana O’Neil, former NFL player Leonard Marshall, and author Joe Nocera, further explored the challenges facing college athletics. Nocera advocated for a contract-based model for student-athletes, while Marshall offered a different perspective based on his experience as a former student-athlete.
Overall, the event shed light on the complexities of the college sports landscape and the need for continued dialogue and reform. As the industry continues to evolve, students must embrace adaptability and engage with the changing dynamics of collegiate athletics. The Center for Sports Media at Seton Hall University remains at the forefront of these discussions, working to redefine how students are trained in media, communications, and sports business.