All articles tagged with #college athletics
NAACP launches the 'Out of Bounds' boycott urging Black athletes and fans to withhold support from public universities in seven Southern states over voting-rights restrictions, warning it could deplete SEC/ACC rosters amid redistricting battles tied to the Voting Rights Act.
Facing a wave of redistricting in the South, the NAACP launches the Out of Bounds campaign to pressure Black student-athletes and fans to boycott top public universities in reform-target states until voting maps diluting Black power are reversed; the Congressional Black Caucus also opposes the SCORE Act, highlighting dwindling legal options as Republican-drawn maps reshape political power in the region.
The SCORE Act, a bill to overhaul NIL oversight and college-athletics governance, was pulled from a planned House floor vote for a second time due to GOP resistance and a unified Congressional Black Caucus opposing the measure; two original co-sponsors withdrew, highlighting deep partisan and intra-party divisions ahead of the midterms.
The NAACP launches the Out of Bounds campaign, urging Black student-athletes to withhold commitments to SEC schools in the South after a Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act and spurred redistricting backlash. The effort aims to redirect support and funding to HBCUs, press for state voting-rights protections, and amplify protests and political action in response to the ruling and its consequences for Black communities.
The NAACP unveils the 'Out of Bounds' campaign, urging Black athletes, families, fans, and consumers to withhold commitments, tickets, and sponsorship from flagship public universities in eight states (Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia) that have moved to dilute Black voting power following a Supreme Court ruling. Recruits are asked to withhold commitments, current athletes to leverage their platforms and consider transfers, and fans to redirect spending to HBCUs. The campaign aims to pressure states to restore fair maps and meaningful Black representation and will continue until protections and redistricting reflect Black power.
With a Memorial Day recess and midterm campaigning looming, lawmakers from both parties are trying to push a package of bipartisan bills before the clock runs out—immigration enforcement, housing affordability, college athletics reforms (the SCORE Act), and energy-permitting changes—while also pursuing talks on cryptocurrency regulation, Great American Outdoors Act reauthorization, and other must-pass items like funding, the farm bill, and transportation. Despite a professed desire to work together, deep distrust persists, and President Trump’s recent push for a partisan election-security measure adds a complication to negotiations as Speaker Johnson faces conservative opposition.
The University of Arkansas has reinstated the men’s and women’s tennis programs effective immediately after previously announcing their discontinuation. Donors have pledged short-term funding to support both programs while the athletics department pursues a long-term endowment to ensure sustainability; head coaches can begin preparations for the 2026–27 season, with progress on the endowment to be closely monitored over the coming year.
The Big Ten announced a record $1.37 billion revenue distribution for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 to 18 member institutions, up from $883 million in 2024, driven by new broadcast rights deals and the expanded College Football Playoff as the conference added Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington, supporting athletic opportunities for more than 14,000 student-athletes.
Coaches from UCLA and USC are seeking clarity as the NCAA weighs a sweeping '5-in-5' eligibility rule that would grant five years of eligibility from high school graduation or age 19, effectively ending redshirts and waivers. The change could force major rosters, scholarship planning, and return decisions, prompting questions about grandfathering current players and whether seniors who left for the draft could come back. A Cabinet vote could signal implementation soon, potentially triggering legal and competitive-balance concerns while some supporters say the rule would level the playing field.
The NCAA moved closer to allowing student-athletes up to five years of eligibility, potentially eliminating redshirt seasons. The plan would start the eligibility clock after age 19 or high school graduation and would require schools to cover up to 10 years of tuition to complete a degree if a student leaves, with current 2025-26 athletes exempt; the Division I Cabinet will discuss the proposal at its May 22 meeting before a final decision.
Iowa State University named Alli St. John as the program's first head coach for its new women's wrestling team, which will compete starting in 2027-28. The two-time World Championships silver medalist brings elite competitive credentials and fundraising experience as she builds a championship-caliber program from the ground up.
Wisconsin athletics director Chris McIntosh is leaving Madison to join the Big Ten as deputy commissioner for strategy, a newly created role to guide conference strategy, revenue decisions and policy. His departure could affect Luke Fickell's tenure, but the Badger coach's fate will largely depend on on-field results, with an early test against Notre Dame and a tough Big Ten schedule possibly shaping expectations for 2026 and beyond.
Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh announced he is leaving to become the Big Ten’s Deputy Commissioner of Strategy, a surprise move after the hockey title game. The piece offers theories: McIntosh may have sensed his tenure was ending, concerns about NIL funding and transfer-portal competitiveness for Wisconsin, and the lure of a less stressful, higher-profile conference role, with his Fickell ties and donor dynamics noted as context.
President Donald Trump, 79, appeared to briefly doze off as Speaker Mike Johnson spoke at a White House roundtable on college athletics, a moment that underscored a strenuous week for the president.
Tyson Foods expands its partnership with the University of Arkansas by adding jersey patches on all 19 Razorback varsity teams and serving as the Official Protein under a multi-year deal starting with the 2026-2027 season.