The world of historically Black college and university (HBCU) sports is facing an unprecedented crisis. As the push to designate student-athletes as employees gains momentum, HBCU leaders fear their already underfunded programs could be decimated, putting scholarships and opportunities for thousands of predominantly Black student-athletes at risk.
Commissioners Sound the Alarm
In a bold move, the commissioners of four major HBCU conferences – the SIAC, CIAA, MEAC, and SWAC – have sent a letter to the Congressional Black Caucus requesting an urgent meeting. They aim to voice their concerns about the potentially catastrophic impact of student-athlete employee legislation on their member institutions and the 15,000 student-athletes they serve.
“To ensure that college sports broadly — and HBCU sports especially — can continue to thrive, it’s essential that Congress allow for consistent and nimble national governance and affirm that student-athletes are not designated as employees of their universities.”
– HBCU Conference Commissioners’ Letter to Congress
The Financial Fallout
If student-athletes become employees, HBCUs would face massive financial burdens. Both the schools and the athletes would be subject to taxes on income and scholarships. For institutions that rely heavily on appropriated funds and donations, many of which are drying up, this could be a death knell.
- Potential program cuts: HBCUs may have to slash athletic offerings to offset increased costs
- Reduced college access: Higher expenses could make attending HBCUs unaffordable for many students
An Uneven Playing Field
The commissioners also highlight the growing disparity between HBCUs and Power Five programs, particularly in areas like media rights revenue and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. This imbalance, coupled with a lengthy transfer portal window, makes retaining talent at HBCUs increasingly difficult.
“While there have been historic changes recently in collegiate sports to support student-athletes overall, opportunities for our predominantly Black students at our institutions are at risk.”
– HBCU Conference Commissioners’ Letter to Congress
A Plea for Congressional Action
The commissioners’ letter serves as a wake-up call and a plea for help. They argue that pending legislation and litigation threaten to reshape college sports without HBCU input or consideration for the unique challenges their student-athletes face. The Congressional Black Caucus, chaired by Yvette Clarke, has responded with an offer to meet later this month.
The future of HBCU athletics hangs in the balance. Once thriving, many programs are now fighting for survival. As the debate over student-athlete compensation rages on, it is clear that any solution must take into account the distinct needs and circumstances of HBCUs and their student-athletes. The question remains: Will Congress intervene in time to save these vital institutions and the opportunities they provide?
