New NCAA Rule Empowers UK, Marginalizes Smaller Teams

The recent changes to NCAA exhibition game rules are reshaping the landscape of college basketball, especially for smaller programs. In a significant shift, Division I universities are now permitted to face each other in exhibition games, which has been a point of contention for smaller college teams like Georgetown College.

New NCAA Rule Marginalizes Smaller Teams

As of early last week, Georgetown College men’s basketball coach Chris Briggs reported receiving over 40 requests for tickets to the upcoming exhibition game against the University of Kentucky at Rupp Arena. This match, set against the backdrop of a long-standing rivalry, will see the Hoyas of the Big East compete with the UK Wildcats, shifting focus away from smaller NAIA teams that traditionally played in these exhibitions.

Impact on Smaller Programs

In years past, Georgetown College has made the 15.1-mile journey to Rupp Arena multiple times to face off against the Wildcats. However, the new NCAA exhibition policy signals the likely end of similar opportunities for smaller institutions to compete on a prominent stage. Coach Briggs expressed concerns that these changes effectively marginalize teams like his, stating, “the days of Kentucky’s small-college teams getting a chance to play against UK on the big stage are probably over.”

• Georgetown College has played against UK four times since 2005.
• 25 exhibition matches have included in-state teams facing UK.
• Additional matches included teams like Kentucky State, Transylvania, and others.

Reasoning Behind the Change

The NCAA’s decision to allow inter-Division I exhibitions is viewed as beneficial for major programs. For Kentucky, this new rule means more competitive matchups against high-major teams during the preseason. UK coach Mark Pope sees this as an advantage, enhancing his team’s preparation and potential revenue in a time when athletic departments are increasingly pressed to optimize earnings.

Notably, attendance at Rupp Arena can positively impact local economies, drawing large crowds and increasing merchandise sales. For instance, the exhibition game between UK and Purdue attracted 19,906 fans, a testament to the interest in high-stakes competition.

Financial Implications for Small Teams

The financial ramifications of the new exhibition rule cannot be overlooked. There was a time when smaller teams like Georgetown College earned substantial financial guarantees for playing at Rupp Arena. Coach Briggs noted that the $20,000 guarantee the Tigers received before the 2023-24 season was crucial for their program, aiding travel expenses and overall operations.

• Coach Briggs highlighted the financial struggles of maintaining competitive programs at smaller colleges.
• Georgetown College once used funds from past exhibitions to ensure better travel accommodations and meals.
• Previous exhibitions generated significant revenue for smaller institutions, often exceeding $50,000 in fundraising efforts.

While the NCAA’s new rules might benefit elite programs like Kentucky, they pose significant challenges for smaller schools striving for visibility and financial viability. As the landscape of college basketball evolves, the gap between large and small institutions may continue to widen.