College sports stands at a crossroads, with seismic shifts looming on the horizon. This episode dives deep into the heart of these changes, exploring the potential ramifications of President Trump's executive order aimed at "saving" the NCAA landscape. Parker Ainsworth meticulously breaks down the order's implications, alongside the SCORE Act, dissecting how these legislative moves could reshape athlete compensation and NIL deals. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as rumors swirl about NORTH CAROLINA potentially jumping ship to the SEC. Ainsworth examines the potential domino effect this move could trigger in conference realignment. What would this mean for the ACC? How might the Big Ten respond? And crucially, where does this leave the HOUSTON COUGARS and the Big 12 in the grand scheme of things? The episode doesn't shy away from the complexities surrounding fair market value in NIL deals, a topic that's become increasingly contentious in recent months. Ainsworth offers insights into how these deals might evolve under new regulations and what it could mean for athletes, universities, and sponsors alike. As the landscape of college athletics teeters on the brink of transformation, the discussion pivots to the uncertain future that lies ahead. Will college sports as we know it cease to exist? Or will these changes usher in a new era of opportunity and fairness for student-athletes? The Big 12's strategic moves come under the microscope as Ainsworth analyzes whether the conference is positioning itself as a potential powerhouse in this evolving landscape. Could their proactive approach set a blueprint for other conferences to follow? From the corridors of power in Washington D.C. to the boardrooms of major universities, this episode leaves no stone unturned in its exploration of the forces reshaping college sports. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, equipped with expert analysis to navigate the changing tides of collegiate athletics. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan, a student-athlete, or simply interested in the business of college sports, this episode provides invaluable insights into the future of an American institution on the cusp of radical change. 0:00 Intro: Executive order on college sports 4:04 Challenges in regulating athlete endorsements 8:09 SCORE Act and potential impacts 12:14 Low percentage of college athletes going pro 16:17 How regulations could benefit Houston 20:23 North Carolina exploring move to SEC 24:29 Potential ACC breakup implications for Big 12 28:34 Houston's successful move to Big 12 Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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