“Transforming the NCAA D-I Model” Series: Reports and Resources

This resource page includes links to reports and letters outlining the Knight Commission’s proposals to reform the governance, structure and policies of NCAA Division I college sports. Resources also include research and surveys that the Commission conducted to develop its proposed solutions.

Connecting Athletics Revenue with the Educational Model of College Sports (C.A.R.E. Model)

 

Released on September 15, 2021

Read the Full Report Here: Connecting Athletics Revenue with the Educational Model of College Sports (C.A.R.E. Model)


Transforming the NCAA D-I Model: Recommendations for Change

 

Transforming the NCAA D-I Model: Recommendations for Change Report Cover

Released on December 3, 2020

Read the Full Report Here: Transforming the NCAA D-I Model: Recommendations for Change


Communication on Constitution Committee


Legal Assessments of our Proposed D-I Model

Two legal reviews of our report analyze its legal implications:


Endorsements

The Knight Commission’s report, “Transforming the D-I Model: Recommendations for Change,” is winning over important voices among Division I stakeholders, including Big West Conference and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

View endorsement letters.


Response to NCAA President Mark Emmert’s Remarks on Division I Reform

View the full response.


The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics also presented a series of four public forums examining the NCAA Division I model and the need for reform.

Series Recap and Study


Session 4 – Recommendations for Change


Session 3 – What D-I Leaders Think: New Survey Findings about Reform


Session 2 – A New Analysis of the D-I Revenue Distribution Formula Inequities


Session 1 – Follow the Money: Breaking Down D-I Finances


Name, Image, and Likeness Recommendations (April 3, 2020) and Resources


Knight Commission Examining Major Restructuring of College Athletics

The Knight Commission announces it will examine new models to restructure college sports, citing the challenges created by the “highly commercialized environment” for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football and some NCAA Division I sports, particularly men’s basketball. The letter notes that FBS football is the only sport for which the NCAA doesn’t conduct a championship, even though FBS football is recognized by the NCAA for membership and revenue distribution purposes. The review will not only examine the broad impact of FBS football but will also assess how FBS football impacts NCAA revenue distributions, which come from the NCAA’s Division I men’s basketball tournament.