NCAA’s Big 5 reform only benefits major athletic programs

The NCAA’s most recent attempt to reform will only benefit 65 schools.

The NCAA’s newest reform attempt will only benefit schools in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC by giving the conferences more autonomy.

By only including only five conferences, the reform leaves out most colligate conferences.

“NCAA Division I has 32 conferences. Some of the 27 smaller conferences bring in less in annual revenue than a single athletic department in a power conference. The University of Alabama athletic department in the Southeastern Conference, for instance, generated $125 million in 2011-12. The Atlantic Sun Conference, which does not have football, generated $105 million.” –Rachel Bachman, The Wall Street Journal

The reform would include things like full cost scholarships, four years scholarships, educational trust, countable hours, long term medical coverage, benefits and agents, extended due process and transfer rules.

SB Nation reporter Kevin Trahan said the reform is a step in the right direction, but it will not be enough to save the NCAA.

“The NCAA recognizes the need for changes. But after waiting until 2014 to make them, its window of opportunity might have passed… The NCAA plans to alter most of the rules people have been hollering about for years. Five years ago, that might have ensured the NCAA’s survival, but after the organization refused to budge for so long, the situation demands philosophical change. These reforms stop short of that.” — Kevin Trahan, SB Nation

USA Today reporter George Schroeder said the new proposed reform would be an end the level playing field.

“The move means the essential end to the NCAA’s long-held ideal of attempting to create an artificially level playing field.” –George Schroeder, USA Today

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany described the reform as “a fair package that fits the 21st Century.”