Saturday September 30, 2023

Parity Rules at Men’s Final Four Despite NIL, Transfer Portal

  • Coaches and executives predicted transfer rules and NIL deals would increase the gaps between programs.
  • March Madness to conclude with historic bracket in Houston.
Florida Atlantic heads to Final Four.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

From Taylor Swift to the Prime Effect, there's a lot going on in the world of football.
Listen Now
September 29, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Coaches and industry executives have suggested that NCAA transfer rules and name, image, and likeness deals would increase the gap between the college sports’ haves and have-nots. They predicted successful players would immediately transfer to perennial powerhouses lured by wealthy NIL collectives.

But this year’s Final Four slate tells a different story: one where parity in men’s college hoops is higher than it has been in years. The quartet of San Diego State, Florida Atlantic University, Miami, and UConn have already made history:

  • In the seeding era, not since 1970, the men’s Final Four will not include any of the top-three seeds. 
  • San Diego State, FAU, and Miami will make their debuts at the Final Four in Houston.
  • San Diego State is the first Mountain West team to make it past the Sweet 16 in conference history.

Miami star Isaiah Wong, for example, decided to stick with the Hurricanes last year despite his agent saying he wanted to shop around for more lucrative NIL deals. (Wong, who has a partnership with prominent Miami booster John Ruiz’s company, later said the statement did not reflect his intentions.)

No school is immune to transfers. But some coaches and players emphasized the benefits of playing on the same team for multiple years rather than chasing the flashiest deals or biggest name-brand programs. 

“We knew that the grass isn’t always greener,” FAU’s Bryan Greenlee told reporters of players staying loyal to the team. As it turns out, they were right.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

College football is taking over Saturday night.

How College Football’s Biggest Games Took Over Saturday Night

Network competition and West Coast storylines helped college football stage a coup.

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.

Colorado Has Become the Hollywood of College Football. This Weekend Proves It.

Folsom Field will welcome dozens of Hollywood stars on Saturday.
Toy Story

‘Toy Story’ Success Could Lead to More Disney-Branded NFL Kid-Casts

A successful ‘Toy Story’ game could open the door for other franchises.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Taylor Swift Shaking Up Travis Kelce, Chiefs Prop Betting Market

Sportsbooks are capitalizing with Taylor Swift-themed prop bets.
Taylor Swift reacts while sitting next to Donna Kelce watching the Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears game during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 28, 2023

Taylor Swift Is Affecting The NFL, Chiefs Ticket Markets

Swift will visit her second NFL stadium in as many weeks.
BioSteel
September 28, 2023

BioSteel Bankruptcy Shows Perils of Costly Sports Partnerships

BioSteel spent heavily on partnerships deals before bankruptcy.
Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.
September 27, 2023

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Big 12 Entries Boosting Tickets, Merch For New Members

BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF joined the Big 12 in July.
September 28, 2023

Prime Effect: Colorado Athletics Sponsorship Revenue Up 42%

The Coach Prime impact is hitting all areas of the athletic department.
Michigan State terminates Tucker's deal with cause amid sexual harassment allegations.
September 27, 2023

Michigan State's Firing of Mel Tucker Saves University $80M

MSU terminates deal with cause amid sexual harassment allegations.
September 27, 2023

AAC Commissioner Open To CFP Format Change, Just Not Yet

Mike Aresco is not ready to vote for CFP structure changes.
A general view of Reser Stadium before a game between Oregon State Beavers and UC Davis Aggies.
September 27, 2023

Oregon State Projects 44% Athletics Revenue Loss From Pac-12 Realignment

Oregon St. officials reveal the potentially dire effects of Pac-12 realignment.
September 23, 2023

Up Next For College Football Playoffs: More Change, Money, And ... Streaming?

Many changes are coming to the CFP when it expands to 12 teams.
Big-12
September 22, 2023

Texas, Oklahoma's Big 12 Exit Could Have Cost $60M More

The school's move to the SEC is costing about $100 million.
Tickets for Colorado’s upcoming road game against Oregon are more expensive than 14 of 16 Week 3 NFL matchups.
September 20, 2023

Deion Sanders' Impact Makes Tickets Pricier Than NFL Games

Colorado-Oregon tickets are pricier than most Week 3 NFL matchups.