Not an Earthquake but a Start

[ghostoffatjack]

After playing in this years NCAA Tournament, St. Francis has moved it's Basketball Team down to Division III today!
"The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game.

First Four's St. Francis moving to D-III in 2026

Citing changes in the national landscape, and a week after a First Four loss in the NCAA tournament, Saint Francis (PA) announced a move to Division III in 2026.

www.espn.com

 

[proudopete]

After playing in this years NCAA Tournament, St. Francis has moved it's Basketball Team down to Division III today!
"The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game.

First Four's St. Francis moving to D-III in 2026

Citing changes in the national landscape, and a week after a First Four loss in the NCAA tournament, Saint Francis (PA) announced a move to Division III in 2026.

www.espn.com

Maybe a good idea for IU?

 

[ghostoffatjack]

Over time, unless things change, I can see more Division 1 teams doing the same as they get tired of the Arms Race!

 

[Chi-Boiler]

Interesting. A couple of years ago, St. Francis of Brooklyn dropped all athletics because of budget issues. Both of the St. Francis' were in the same conference.

I fear that this will continue to happen over time.

 

[qazplm]

Interesting. A couple of years ago, St. Francis of Brooklyn dropped all athletics because of budget issues. Both of the St. Francis' were in the same conference.

I fear that this will continue to happen over time.

I mean isn't this a place for those folks to go who lament the old school ways? There's still a place for student athletes, it's just not on ESPN anymore.

 

[Wolegib]

See my comments in the other thread! More teams will follow. They have 3 choices. Bid and pay athletes at the highest prices. Cut back on their existing non-revenue sports and facilities or just say good bye and good riddance to division 1 sports.

 

[ghostoffatjack]

I mean isn't this a place for those folks to go who lament the old school ways? There's still a place for student athletes, it's just not on ESPN anymore.

Some schools just don't have the treasure chest full of donations to compete in the NIL Portal wars and lose players to it. It cannot continue as it is with all schools. Some will either drop down or a second tier of the major conferences might have to be created to stay in D1 and so players get their education and degrees while on scholarship! Once again the NBA is getting a free ride with this form of Farm System they benefit from!

 

[ghostoffatjack]

More than 1,150 Division I players have entered the transfer portal since it opened Monday, far exceeding the previous years' totals at the same stage.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

Some schools just don't have the treasure chest full of donations to compete in the NIL Portal wars and lose players to it. It cannot continue as it is with all schools. Some will either drop down or a second tier of the major conferences might have to be created to stay in D1 and so players get their education and degrees while on scholarship! Once again the NBA is getting a free ride with this form of Farm System they benefit from!

It will be interesting to see if the March Madness ratings go down over time, with the lack of upsets. It’s almost impossible now for mid majors to build the veteran team that you need to beat a talented power 4 team.

 

[SKYDOG]

More than 1,150 Division I players have entered the transfer portal since it opened Monday, far exceeding the previous years' totals at the same stage.

That’s huge and it doesn’t even count high schools. 😂

 

[qazplm]

More than 1,150 Division I players have entered the transfer portal since it opened Monday, far exceeding the previous years' totals at the same stage.

Could be because this is the first year we move to 15 scholarships

 

[Riveting-]

Around the world: Oregon flew 27,000 miles this hoops season - and all the players were taking only online classes.

https://www.wsj.com/sports/basketball/oregon-ducks-big-ten-travel-march-madness-8ead1b8d?st=j4Axwh&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink