The NCAA's Division I Board of Directors will vote Thursday on a proposal that gives the five major conferences — the 'Power 5' — autonomy in governance on decisions that benefit student-athletes. Here's what you need to know:
Who makes up the Power 5? The ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences.
What happens if, as expected, the proposal is adopted? The NCAA's 346 Division I schools will have 60 days to override it. If 75 schools request an override, the Board of Directors is required to reconsider its decision. If 125 schools request an override, the rule is suspended and the board will meet to discuss the matter.
What are some likely proposals? A full-cost scholarship is the main one. The Power 5 wants to provide athletes money to cover costs outside of a scholarship, likely an additional $2,000 to $5,000 each year. Other proposals outlined in a letter from Pac-12 presidents earlier this year included:
• Increased medical and insurance benefits.
• Guaranteed four-year scholarships, rather than a year-to-year renewal.
• Decreased time demands for athletes during the season.
What about transfer rules? The Power 5 wanted autonomy regarding transfers, too, but the NCAA is keeping governance of those rules open to all schools. However, the NCAA wrote in a July release, "The five conferences requested autonomy over transfers if substantial change isn't accomplished within the new structure's first two years."
