Panel Discusses Critical Issues in College Athletics: Crossroads or Crisis?

The landscape of college sports is rapidly evolving, with significant changes such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules and the transfer portal reshaping the way student-athletes navigate their collegiate careers. Recently, the Dartmouth College men’s basketball team made history by voting to unionize, becoming the first group of student-athletes in the country to form a bargaining unit.

To delve deeper into the issues facing college sports, the Center for Sports Media and Center for Sports Management at Seton Hall University hosted a panel discussion featuring five esteemed experts. The event, which took place on April 21, covered a range of topics including NIL, unionization, the transfer portal, and ongoing lawsuits against the NCAA.

The discussion was kicked off by Center for Sports Media Founder Bob Ley, who set the stage for a conversation with Center for Sports Management Director Charles Grantham and former Congressman and NBA player Thomas McMillan. Grantham, a pioneer in student-athlete compensation advocacy, emphasized the need for fair compensation for college athletes, while McMillan, the President and CEO of LEAD1, highlighted the importance of bringing athletic directors together to address key issues in college sports.

The panel, which also included writer Dana O’Neil, former NFL player Leonard Marshall, and journalist Joe Nocera, offered diverse perspectives on the future of college athletics. Nocera advocated for a contract-based model for student-athletes, while Marshall emphasized the value of scholarships and education for young athletes.

Overall, the event provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts and gain insights into the complex and rapidly changing world of college sports. As the conversation around NIL, unionization, and NCAA regulations continues to evolve, it is clear that adaptability and innovation will be key for aspiring professionals in the field.