After 12 years at the helm, Mark Emmert will be stepping down from his role as the NCAA President, the NCAA Board of Governors Chair John DeGioia announced earlier today. Both sides agreed to a parting of ways, effective when a new president is in place or until June 30, 2023.
“Throughout my tenure I’ve emphasized the need to focus on the experience and priorities of student-athletes,” said Emmert. “I am extremely proud of the work of the [National Collegiate Athletic] Association over the last 12 years and especially pleased with the hard work and dedication of the national office staff here in Indianapolis (NCAA.org).”
Emmert came into office after a six-year stint as President of the University of Washington, his alma mater. Prior, Emmert was the Chancellor at Louisiana State University, where he hired Hall of Fame coach Nick Saban.
The NCAA will look to replace Emmert, as the world of college athletics is in a unique place. As the NCAA looks to begin a new chapter, the world of college athletics precedes it.
With the establishment of the Transfer Portal and the implementation of NIL in collegiate athletics, the landscape of the NCAA and its power has come into question. As constant change arises, the era of college athletics has already begun its next chapter.
The “COVID year,” NIL, and the Transfer Portal has brought forth a level of uncertainty for the future of college sports, a potential catalyst for Mark Emmert to move in a different direction.
