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A Proposal For The Future of College Athletics

Mike Walsh
Published September 2023

The proposal, titled "Control What You Can Control", is a strategic vision for the future of college athletics in the West. Rather than waiting for the next wave of conference realignment or media disruption, this proposal challenges leaders to proactively shape their own future.

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At the center of the proposal is an innovative promotion and relegation model for football, designed to create more meaningful competition, compelling media inventory and sustainable long-term value while preserving regional rivalries and strengthening Olympic sports. More than a conference realignment concept, it is a blueprint for how bold leadership and creative thinking can position institutions to thrive in an evolving collegiate landscape.

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Whether you agree with every recommendation or not, the goal is to encourage forward-thinking conversations about what college athletics can become, not simply what it has always been.

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Read the full proposal below.

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