NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The chairperson of the NCAA board of governors has indicated that there seems to be broad consensus regarding the need for the largest institutions in Division I to have an increased role in self-governance. However, the challenge lies in figuring out the specifics of how to achieve this enhanced authority.

Linda Livingstone, President of Baylor University, posited that institutions within the “autonomy” conferences—namely the Southeastern, Big Ten, Big 12, and Atlantic Coast—should invest more in their athletic programs, and as such, they will require more power to shape the regulations that govern the higher tiers of college sports.

“The next significant task is to actively engage in discussions about what truly serves the best interests of not only the top conferences but also the other 365 schools that make up Division I,” Livingstone remarked on Tuesday following her address at the NCAA’s annual convention.

She highlighted that the possibility of major schools having authority over NCAA postseason tournaments, including the iconic March Madness, is under consideration. This notion is part of the recommendations being finalized by the power conferences for NCAA evaluation, as initially reported by Yahoo Sports.

NCAA President Charlie Baker has been advocating for reforms within Division I. One proposal that sparked debate suggested that select schools should provide at least half of their athletes with annual educational trust funds amounting to $30,000.

A forthcoming House settlement, anticipated for approval in April, will permit institutions to make direct NIL payments to athletes. The NCAA, along with the four power conferences, is named in the associated lawsuit and is expected to bear significant financial responsibility, which has contributed to the demand for a new governance model.

“I personally believe there is much about the NCAA that requires improvement,” Baker expressed. “However, I remain unconvinced that our primary challenge is our management of championships. In fact, I believe we do that quite well.”