Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the structure and governance of the Football Bowl Subdivision postseason should prioritize broad-based athletic opportunity, financial sustainability for college athletics, and competitive balance, and that innovative proposals to expand broad based postseason participation—such as proposals advanced by Coach Mike Leach—warrant serious consideration to mitigate anticompetitive effects in top-division college football.
Summary
This House Resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the structure and governance of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) postseason. It advocates for prioritizing broad-based athletic opportunity, financial sustainability, and competitive balance. The resolution also suggests giving serious consideration to innovative proposals, such as those advanced by Coach Mike Leach, to expand postseason participation and mitigate anticompetitive effects in college football.
Expected Effects
If adopted, this resolution could influence the NCAA and FBS to consider restructuring the college football postseason. This could lead to a more inclusive playoff system and a fairer distribution of revenue. Ultimately, this could impact the competitive landscape and financial health of college athletic programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased opportunities for more universities to participate in postseason play.
- Potential for greater financial stability for a wider range of college athletic programs.
- Enhanced competitive balance within the FBS.
- Could lead to innovative approaches to college football media rights and revenue distribution.
- Addresses concerns about the concentration of power and wealth among a few elite programs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption to the existing college football structure and traditions.
- Concerns about the impact on academic integrity and student-athlete welfare with an expanded playoff format.
- Possible resistance from powerful conferences and institutions that benefit from the current system.
- Uncertainty regarding the actual financial outcomes of a restructured postseason.
- The resolution is non-binding and may not result in any concrete changes.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution does not directly implicate specific clauses of the US Constitution. While Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters related to interstate commerce and general welfare, this resolution primarily expresses an opinion on college sports governance. The resolution's focus on fair competition and equal opportunity aligns with broader constitutional principles of justice and fairness, but it does not create any legally enforceable rights or obligations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).