Why College Sports Is Suddenly For Sale

Why does it feel like every single part of college sports is changing, and that everything is for sale now? Maybe because it's true. It's not just NIL that has changed life at your favorite college basketball and college football schools. Those universities and athletic departments are constantly seeking money everywhere now. UNLV just sold a jersey patch for its uniform before the NCAA even approved them. The University of Utah took a $500 million investment from a private equity firm. The Big 12 Conference is going into business with private equity, too. The Big Ten almost did that this fall. Matt Brown, the co-founder of the excellent Extra Points newsletter, comes onto Business Decision, hosted by Mike Vorkunov, a reporter for The Athletic, to discuss this odd and interesting moment in time for college sports. He discusses why college athletic departments are so desperate for cash and why they are turning to private equity. The biggest threat to the future of college sports isn't NIL, it may be the transfer portal, but the biggest issue could be that college sports feels like professional sports. Also, which school sells the most booze to its fans? Read and subscribe to Extra Points here.01:16 Did everyone in college sports suddenly go broke? 08:20 Why private equity is becoming more popular in college athletics 25:14 Is there a breaking point for fans? 31:43 Does Facebook explains the end game for college sports? 35:07 The difference between soccer's Super League and college sports 40:20 Which college has sold the most booze?