Institute for Innovation Tackles the Future of College Athletics in Groundbreaking Panel 

The Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium buzzed with anticipation as over 250 attendees filed in for UNC School of Law’s Institute for Innovation’s latest event. On October 1, 2024, the Institute brought together a powerhouse panel to dissect “The Future of College Athletics,” proving once again why it’s at the forefront of addressing the most pressing issues in law, business, and sports. 

As the event began, the star-studded lineup took their seats: Courtney Banghart, UNC women’s basketball head coach; Jay Bilas, attorney and ESPN’s basketball analyst; Bubba Cunningham, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Director of Athletics; Jim Delany, UNC law alum and former Big Ten Conference commissioner; and Aranza Vázquez, Olympic diver and UNC student-athlete. 

Institute for Innovation Executive Director, Aaron Gard, kicked off the event with a bang. “Where there is CHAOS, there is OPPORTUNITY,” he said. “And there is A LOT of CHAOS right now in college athletics, which leads to opportunity, particularly for SMART LEGAL MINDS.” His words set the tone for an evening of frank discussion and bold ideas. 

As the panel delved into the heart of college athletics’ most pressing issues, the complexities of the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) reform took center stage. Bubba Cunningham shed light on UNC’s innovative approach to this challenge, outlining a dual-collective structure that balances support for athletes with careful navigation of tax implications. 

The NIL discussion led naturally to broader questions about the NCAA’s role and ongoing antitrust litigation. Jay Bilas offered a bold prediction: as court cases progress and settlements are reached, the traditional model of amateurism could give way to a system where schools directly compensate athletes, potentially through formalized contracts. 

The potential for direct player compensation raised immediate questions about gender equity in college sports. Jim Delany provided valuable historical context on Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Delany highlighted how changing political landscapes have shaped Title IX’s interpretation and enforcement over the decades. 

As the conversation shifted to the practical realities facing today’s student-athletes, conference realignment emerged as a key concern. The ACC’s addition of Cal, Stanford, and SMU sparked a lively debate, with Aranza Vázquez giving voice to student-athletes’ worries about increased travel demands and their potential impact on academic performance. 

The conversation painted a complex picture of college athletics’ future. Bubba Cunningham synthesized many of the evening’s themes in his vision of what’s to come: an environment marked by increased commercial activity, but potentially featuring fewer student-athletes and sports overall. However, he suggested that those who do participate might enjoy better compensation and richer experiences because of these changes. 

The event didn’t just feature the panelists. Notable guests in the audience included Rick Evrard, co-head of the collegiate sports practice at Bond, Schoeneck & King, and Peyton Barish, a former NC State athlete now working with the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. 

For the students in attendance, the event provided valuable insights into the complex world of sports law and the potential career paths in this evolving field. As one attendee, Jack Evans, remarked, “The panel was very timely and quite well done. Kudos for recruiting the participants, preparing the agenda, and guiding the dialog.” 

The “Future of College Athletics” event didn’t just talk about change – it embodied it, and as the dust settles on this landmark event, one thing is clear: the Institute for Innovation at the UNC School of Law isn’t just watching the future of college athletics unfold – it’s helping to write it, one groundbreaking discussion at a time.