National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News Digest

October 12, 1998

DIVISION I

Revenue Distribution



America East $ 17,115,319
American West 398,211
Atlantic 10 32,749,282
Atlantic Coast 66,550,581
Big 12 28,129,349
Big East 55,028,466
Big Eight 27,114,911
Big Sky 12,039,482
Big South 8,472,601
Big Ten 76,904,509
Big West 23,372,703
Colonial 15,465,753
Conference USA 22,731,379
East Coast 1,687,577
Great Midwest 5,622,538
Ivy Group 16,841,483
Metro Atlantic 10,789,971
Metropolitan 9,889,007
Mid-American 29,493,534
Mid-Continent 13,607,140
Mid-Eastern 11,486,943
Midwestern 14,352,255
Missouri Valley 19,058,066
Northeast 10,342,357
Ohio Valley 13,204,036
Pacific-10 49,415,739
Patriot League 13,097,403
Southeastern 59,264,302
Southern 13,234,753
Southland 13,077,770
Southwest 16,502,758
Southwestern 11,333,567
Sun Belt 16,629,645
Trans America 10,797,369
West Coast 9,861,105
Western Athletic 38,641,252
Independents 4,655,141
Total $ 798,958,257


MARKETING

NCAA completes survey on college basketball

The NCAA has completed its first comprehensive national research study specifically targeting college basketball fans.

The results will be mailed to Divisions I, II and III athletics directors and conference commissioners with copies to Division I senior woman administrators and marketing directors.

The basketball marketing subcommittee's charge was to identify and evaluate marketing and promotion issues related to men's and women's basketball.

Focus groups, a nationwide telephone survey and in-arena surveys were used to assess college basketball as it related to: (1) degrees of fan interest and intensity, (2) game attendance, (3) television viewership and (4) licensed product ownership.

The research indicates a healthy status for both the men's and women's collegiate game. A total of 47 percent of all consumers age 9-55 consider themselves fans of men's college basketball, while 31 percent of the same group consider themselves fans of the women's college game.

On average, men's college basketball trails the National Football League and college football and is on par with the National Basketball Association in fan intensity. Fan intensity for the women's game is on the same level as that of professional soccer and ranks slightly above women's professional basketball.

Staff contact: Dennis Cryder.

CERTIFICATION

Schedule set for second cycle of Division I athletics certification

The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification has approved the schedule for the second cycle of the athletics certification program. Within the next five to 10-year period, about 318 member institutions will complete their second self-study during the second cycle of athletics certification.

Staff contact: Troy L. Arthur.

LITIGATION

Association offers settlement in restricted-earnings case

The NCAA recently offered a cash settlement of $44 million to plaintiffs in the restricted-earnings coaches lawsuit, but the plaintiffs' attorneys turned down the offer.

The Association has consistently stated its desire to provide fair compensation to coaches who were actually hurt by the legislation.

"Our offer of $44 million is more than fair," NCAA President Cedric W. Dempsey said. "It certainly exceeds actual damages and is nearly double the jury's figure."

The jury in the damages phase of the trial awarded about $22.3 million in damages, which were trebled under antitrust law.

In a related matter, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will not hear the NCAA's appeal on the antitrust finding in the case. However, another appeal in that case is pending. The Association has filed post-trial motions identifying errors in the conduct of the damages phase of the trial.

In another case, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the Association's appeal of a case involving whether the NCAA receives federal funds because it receives dues from member institutions that receive federal funding.

Staff contact: Elsa Kircher Cole.

DIVISION I

Strategic Planning Cabinet suggests legislative alternative

The Division I Strategic Planning Cabinet has developed a set of proposals that would establish a single annual review of legislation.

The proposals will be forwarded to the Division I Management Council for consideration at its October 19-20 meeting. They are based on the results of a survey that garnered responses from 29 conferences.

Based on the survey results, the cabinet is recommending to the Management Council that a legislative calendar be established that allows for a single annual review of legislation according to the following cycle:

  • Proposed legislation would be due October 1 to the national office.

  • Proposed legislation would be forwarded to the membership, via Internet, by November 1.

  • November 1 would begin a 60-day comment period during which amendments can be submitted.

  • The proposed amendments would be discussed at the NCAA Convention during conference meetings.

  • As a result of the actions by conferences and cabinets at the Convention, another 60-day comment period would become effective.

  • Legislation would be voted upon by the Management Council and Board of Directors at their spring meetings.

  • Approved legislation would become effective August 1.

    Staff contact: Ronald J. Stratten.

    RULES COMPLIANCE

    Divisions I, II video conference scheduled for November 12

    The NCAA membership services staff will conduct a video conference for Divisions I and II athletics administrators and coaches November 12 to review the fall Management Council meetings, to discuss proposed and current legislation, and to address other topics of interest.

    Staff contact: Elizabeth Muir.