Charlie Baker: Transforming the Future of the NCAA and Confronting NIL, Transfers, Betting & More · 29:34
In this episode of On Stage, Charlie Baker, President of the NCAA, sits down with Abraham Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for a wide-ranging discussion on where college sports stand—and where they’re headed next. Recorded on December 9, 2025 at SBJ’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in Las Vegas, the conversation captures Baker at a pivotal moment, as the NCAA navigates unprecedented structural change, financial pressure, and evolving expectations from athletes, schools, and fans alike. Topics explored include: Redefining the NCAA’s Role: How Baker views the organization’s mission amid rapid change and increasing external forces. The Economics of College Sports: Balancing sustainability, fairness, and competitive integrity across divisions. Student-Athlete Experience: Where progress has been made and where work remains to support athlete welfare and opportunity. Leadership in Transition: What it takes to lead through uncertainty while aligning a diverse and complex membership. What Comes Next: Baker’s perspective on the long-term direction of college athletics in a reshaped landscape. It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation that provides clarity and perspective on one of the most consequential periods in the history of college sports. 00:00 - Intro 01:16 - Assessment of job 3 years in 04:17 - Post-House reality for NCAA 04:59 - NCAA would have been bankrupt 05:20 - Prop bets 07:58 - Commercial appeal of NCAA 10:29 - Growth sports around the country 11:06 - SCORE Act update 12:30 - Private equity caution 14:38 - Issues that keep Charlie Baker up at night 17:00 - Reaction to fans complaining about CFP 19:27 - Is college sports too professionalized? 22:40 - USOPC and NCAA relationship 23:57 - Sports Broadcasting Act changes 24:59 - Hope for changes 1 year from now 27:01 - Does Charlie Baker like the job? 28:48 Closing remarks #NCAA #CharlieBaker #CollegeSports #NIL #MarchMadness #CollegeAthletics #SportsBusiness #StudentAthletes #NCAATournament #NCAALegislation #SportsBetting #OlympicSports #TransferPortal #privateequity
January 27, 2026
