- Press Release on Results of National Public Opinion Poll (August 6, 2025)
- Video Recording of National Public Opinion Poll Results Presentation (August 6, 2025)
- Website for National Public Opinion Poll Results with Executive Summary & Full Report
NATIONAL PUBLIC OPINION POLL RESULTS PRESENTATION PANELISTS:
Amy Privette Perko, CEO, Knight Commission;
Len Elmore, Co-Chair, Knight Commission;
Jason Husser, Director, Elon University Poll;
Beth Brooke, Former Global Vice Chair, EY; Director, New York Times, Project Level, eHealth, ULSE, and The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC);
KNIGHT COMMISSION COMMENTS ON POLL RESULTS
Amy Privette Perko, CEO, Knight Commission
“Americans show lots of uncertainty about the seismic shifts in Division I sports — but they are certain about two things: educational mission matters and athletic participation opportunities should not be limited to only revenue-producing sports. Prioritizing those goals has long been a cornerstone of the Knight Commission’s work, and it is encouraging to see a clear public sentiment on these issues.”
Len Elmore, Co-Chair, Knight Commission
“The results of this public opinion poll are a timely and invaluable resource for lawmakers and leaders in Division I athletics to consider as they shape policies and legislation over the next several months. It is important to know that the public overwhelmingly supports keeping college sports connected to its academic mission, even with the historic shifts on other issues like college athlete compensation.”
Beth Brooke, Member, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee; Member, Knight Commission
“It is encouraging to see such broad public support for the importance of collegiate Olympic sports and the key role they play in achieving Team USA Olympic success. But acknowledging the importance of these sports is only half the battle – now is the time for both Division I leaders and lawmakers to recognize the urgent need to continue investing in these sports at the collegiate level and to create new mechanisms to make sure that investment is robust.”
About
The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, founded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in 1989, is an independent group that leads transformational change to prioritize college athletes’ education, health, safety, and success. knightcommission.org
The Elon University Poll was established in 2000 as a public policy research initiative. The Elon University Poll conducts North Carolina and national surveys on important issues, sharing the results with media, citizens and public officials to facilitate informed public policy making through the better understanding of citizens’ opinions and attitudes. The poll is fully funded by Elon University and is a charter member of the Transparency Initiative, a program created by the American Association for Public Opinion Research. www.elon.edu/elonpoll.
Media Contacts:
Dan Anderson, Special Assistant to the President, Elon University
andersd@elon.edu, 336.260.6870
Eric Townsend,Assistant VP for Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Elon University
etownsend4@elon.edu, 336.278.7413
Steve Delsohn, Delsohn Strategies (for Knight Commission requests) steve@delsohn.com, 805.358.3318