Podcast Title: The Matt Jones Show
Host: Matt Jones
Guest: Ross Dellenger
Episode: Episode 5 - Ross Dellenger
Release Date: June 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 5 of The Matt Jones Show, host Matt Jones engages in an insightful discussion with Ross Dellenger, a prominent figure from Yahoo Sports, on the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics. The conversation delves deep into the recent settlement affecting athlete compensation, the anticipated Rev Share distribution, and the broader implications for college sports programs across the nation.

The Rev Share Settlement and Its Implications

Matt Jones opens the discussion by highlighting the significance of the upcoming college football season in light of recent changes. He introduces Ross Dellenger as an expert well-versed in the national landscape of college sports.

Ross Dellenger explains that the 2025 season is poised to undergo what might be the most tumultuous changes in the history of college athletics. He states:

“College sports doesn't run or jog, but it crawls. But we've been moving a little faster lately, and the changes have come much quicker than they have in the past.”
[02:58]

The centerpiece of their discussion is the Rev Share initiative, a component of a recent settlement aimed at providing athletes with increased benefits and compensation. Scheduled to commence on July 1st, this initiative allows universities to receive up to $20.5 million, although participation is voluntary. Ross elaborates:

“The rev share is permitted, but it's not required. And I think you'll probably have 60 to 70% of the Power Five conference schools reach that 20 million mark.”
[04:15]

Impact on Conferences and Individual Schools

Ross provides a breakdown of how different conferences and schools are expected to handle the Rev Share funds:

• SEC and Big Ten: Likely to fully utilize the Rev Share, with most schools in these conferences receiving the maximum allocation.
• Big 12, ACC, and Group of Six Schools: Expected to receive lower amounts, typically ranging between $3 to $5 million, with a few exceptions nearing $15-17 million.

Matt Jones raises concerns about the discrepancy in funding:

“That's a huge, huge discrepancy.”
[06:12]

Ross acknowledges the imbalance but remains optimistic that most schools will find ways to secure the allocated funds, either through revenue generation or budget cuts.

Legal and Legislative Considerations

The settlement stemmed from antitrust lawsuits filed by athletes seeking greater compensation. Ross emphasizes that while the settlement addresses current issues, without federal legislation, schools remain vulnerable to future legal challenges.

“The settlement is a step down the path of reaching eventual solutions and stability in college athletics.”
[08:29]

He outlines the NCAA's hopes for Congressional action, highlighting three key legislative objectives:

1. Preemption of State NIL Laws: Establishing a nationwide standard to replace varied state laws.
2. Anti-Employment Clause: Maintaining that college athletes are students, not employees.
3. Codification of the Settlement: Ensuring long-term enforcement and stability.

Ross also discusses the political dynamics in Washington, D.C., noting the divided nature of Congress and the challenges in passing comprehensive legislation.

Financial Strategies and the Future of Athletic Programs

The conversation shifts to how universities plan to manage the Rev Share funds. Ross suggests that while many Power Five schools are well-positioned financially, others will need to explore innovative revenue streams, such as:

• Naming Rights: Selling corporate sponsorships for stadiums and facilities.
• Corporate Partnerships: Expanding and enhancing existing sponsorship deals.

Matt Jones brings up the possibility of universities taking private or investment money into their athletic programs. Ross agrees that this trend is likely inevitable, citing models like private equity investments and loans as potential avenues for financial support.

“It's too prevalent in too many conferences... somebody is going to complete the process and do it.”
[17:27]

He also addresses potential fan backlash against such investments, emphasizing that while initial reactions may be negative, the financial pressures on athletic departments may necessitate these moves.

Conference Realignment and Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Ross anticipates significant conference realignments between 2030 and 2032, driven by upcoming contract expirations related to the College Football Playoff and major TV deals. He predicts:

• Further Expansion: Conferences like the SEC and Big Ten may seek to add more teams to bolster their media and revenue standings.
• Impact on the College Football Playoff (CFP): Potential elimination of the Group of Six's automatic access, leading to a more consolidated power structure within college football.

Matt Jones voices a fan's perspective, expressing concern over the diminishing opportunities for smaller schools in prestigious tournaments. Ross concurs, noting that:

“The NCAA tournament as it exists right now is a pretty awesome event. Probably shouldn't be touched... I think the conference commissioners have said pretty firmly that they want to keep some sort of access for the little guys.”
[40:03]

Despite these intentions, Ross believes that the Rev Share era will limit the chances of underdog teams making deep tournament runs, as evidenced by recent seasons where all Sweet 16 teams hailed from major conferences.

Key Players Influencing the Future of College Sports

When discussing who will shape the future of college athletics, Ross identifies several influential figures:

• Greg Sankey: SEC Commissioner, a pivotal leader in guiding conference policies.
• Ted Cruz: A U.S. Senator actively involved in legislative discussions around college sports.
• Donald Trump: Although more controversial, his potential involvement through executive actions could impact future legislation.

Ross also touches on the paused efforts to establish a presidential commission on college sports, which could have otherwise introduced significant reforms aligned with super league concepts.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, Matt Jones and Ross Dellenger reflect on the complexities and challenges facing college athletics. They acknowledge the delicate balance between maintaining competitive fairness and accommodating the financial imperatives of modern sports programs. Ross emphasizes the importance of monitoring the distribution and impact of the Rev Share funds over the coming year, suggesting that infighting and strategic allocations will shape the next phase of college sports.

“You are hearing about this stuff, have no idea what they're talking about... but Ross, you really do do an awesome job on this.”
[47:26]

The episode concludes with both hosts expressing anticipation for the ongoing developments in college athletics, underscoring the transformative period the industry is navigating.

Notable Quotes:

• Ross Dellenger: “College sports doesn't run or jog, but it crawls. But we've been moving a little faster lately, and the changes have come much quicker than they have in the past.”
  [02:58]

• Matt Jones: “That's a huge, huge discrepancy.”
  [06:12]

• Ross Dellenger: “The rev share is permitted, but it's not required. And I think you'll probably have 60 to 70% of the Power Five conference schools reach that 20 million mark.”
  [04:15]

• Ross Dellenger: “Greg Sankey actually said recently that, you know, we get into a room and we, we make political decisions referring to sort of that access spot.”
  [37:44]

• Matt Jones: “You really do do an awesome job on this.”
  [47:26]

This episode of The Matt Jones Show offers an in-depth analysis of the seismic shifts occurring in college athletics, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving these changes and the potential future landscape of college sports.