The Varsity Inside the NCAA’s Moneyball Era
Jan 11, 2026
Charlie Baker, former Governor of Massachusetts and current NCAA president, dives into the evolving landscape of college sports. He discusses the chaos surrounding the transfer portal and its effects on various athletic divisions. Baker advocates for uniform eligibility rules, emphasizing Congress's role amidst legal challenges. He also highlights the NCAA’s lucrative media deal with ESPN and expresses support for expanding March Madness while navigating complexities like NIL and Title IX in sports. With plenty of insights, he recalls significant moments that define the spirit of college athletics.
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Two-Tier Reality Of College Sports
- College sports are two-tiered: a high-profile top 5% and a vast majority of lower-visibility programs.
- Charlie Baker says overall participation is healthy, with growth in women's sports and many successful championships beyond football and men's basketball.
Transfers Changed Player Pathways
- Increased transfer freedom lets talented players move up levels more easily than a decade ago.
- Baker sees transfers as sometimes positive for opportunity but warns courts and litigation have reshaped the system dramatically.
Limit Transfers And Protect Academics
- Allow athletes one unconditional transfer without sitting out and permit a second only for exigent circumstances like a coach's departure.
- Prioritize academic monitoring because most athletes will not play professionally and need degree stability.