I got ‘yer Plan B right here.

It sounds like the NCAA is finally about to drag itself kicking and screaming into a future where Congress doesn’t bail its ass out with federal legislation.  Or at least ponder the possibility.

At the two-year anniversary of the NIL Era, industry leaders are increasingly voicing one question: If the NCAA‘s efforts to secure a federal NIL bill fall short, what is Plan B?

Now the NCAA’s NIL subcommittee has in fact been tasked with exploring a Plan B in case Congress does not act by passing a federal NIL bill. The NCAA Division I Council received updates on the work of the NIL subcommittee last Tuesday and Wednesday at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, a source with direct knowledge of the meetings told On3.

The purpose of the meetings – attended Tuesday and Wednesday by first-year NCAA President Charlie Baker – extended beyond merely discussing NIL-specific guidance and interpretation. Rather, the source said, the purpose was to develop details around an NIL-specific proposal in case Congress doesn’t act to pass a federal NIL bill.

So, what’s Plan B?  This is the only concrete suggestion in the linked article:

The NCAA issued a memo last week that said member schools must “adhere to NCAA legislation (or policy) when it conflicts with permissive state laws.” But Texas A&M indicated it will follow state NIL law instead of NCAA policy. What happens next could ignite a legal clash.

“The NCAA is a voluntary organization,” the source said. “If [schools in] Texas want to go way outside the guidelines and say, ‘We don’t have to follow NCAA rules,’ the NCAA can say, ‘We don’t have to invite you to NCAA championships either.’”

Sounds like fun.  More popcorn, please!

The 400 million-dollar canary in the coal mine

Florida is about to embark on a very expensive face lift of the Swamp.

The Swamp is getting a makeover, a significant overhaul that’s expected to cost at least $400 million and be a “multigenerational solution” for an aging and iconic stadium in the heart of Florida’s campus.

The Gators announced plans Monday to hire an architect for the design of its revamped Florida Field, the first public step in a process that’s been ruminating for years. The school will open a formal selection window in July.

Athletic director Scott Stricklin said it’s “premature to speculate” on the final cost, seating capacity and a specific timeline.

Yeah, well, just because it’s premature to speculate on how much seating will be reduced doesn’t mean reduced capacity isn’t in the cards.

Proposed upgrades are sure to include wider concourses, less bench seating, more concession options, larger video boards, a new sound system and improved lighting throughout. Capacity is expected to be reduced by thousands.

Stricklin’s been hinting at that for a while now.  If demand isn’t inexhaustible, then more premium seating is the way to keep ticket revenues on the uptick.

The only question is whether this is an approach unique to Gainesville, or the start of a larger trend, and my bet is that we won’t know that until we see how much of a success this winds up as a profit and loss proposition.  I mean, you don’t think Stricklin’s doing this just for the fans, do ‘ya?

Happy birthday, ‘Murica!

Best wishes from the Godfather.

Nothing suggests the USA like a good ol’ James Brown “ow!”.