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The NCAA Board of Governors this week approved funding to support two major initiatives: enhancing the Division I basketball performance fund and establishing two new women’s championships.
The board approved the funding to create three additional units in both the Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Performance Funds to reward performance in the semifinals and finals. If adopted by Division I members at the 2026 NCAA Convention, each team participating in a championship game would receive one additional unit, and the national champions would receive the final unit. Under the current unit structure in both men’s and women’s basketball, conference offices receive units for each game in which one of their member schools participates, up until the Final Four. The Division I Board of Directors introduced the proposal this week.
The Board of Governors also approved Association-wide budget allocations to support National Collegiate Championships and sport committees in stunt and acrobatics and tumbling. In May, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics recommended that all three divisions sponsor legislation to add championships in both sports, with the first championships scheduled for 2027. Both sports met the minimum sponsorship and participation thresholds required to move forward. Member schools are expected to vote on the proposals at the 2026 Convention.
“The Board of Governors is proud to support the growth of women’s sports and increased championship access across all three divisions,” said Linda A. Livingstone, chair of the board and president at Baylor. “We are responding to the needs of our membership, elevating emerging sports and better aligning incentives in our marquee championships.”
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips elected chair
The board elected Jim Phillips, commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference, as its chair for a two-year term, effective immediately. Phillips assumes the chair position held by Livingstone since August 2022.
“Serving on the NCAA Board of Governors has been an incredible honor and it’s a privilege to be selected as chair,” said Phillips. “During this time of continuous change, I look forward to the ongoing collaboration with my colleagues to elevate the student-athlete experience and further tackle the opportunities and challenges within higher education. I’m also incredibly appreciative of Linda Livingstone, as her steady leadership over the past three years was remarkable.”
“My sincere thanks to Linda for her leadership and service as chair of the board. I’m also grateful to Jim for taking on this role and his continued dedication to the Association,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said. “His deep experience and strategic mindset will help us build on the momentum and progress already underway.”
“It’s been an honor to serve as chair during a time of important progress for the Association,” Livingstone said. “I have full confidence in Jim’s leadership and know he’ll continue to guide the board with a strong commitment to student-athletes and the future of college sports.”
Additionally, members approved the below appointments and a reappointment to the board. Each will serve a two-year term effective immediately.
Ted Carter, president at Ohio State, Division I representative.
Doug Girod, president at Kansas, Division I representative.
Davaris Cheeks, former football student-athlete at Concordia-St. Paul, Division II graduated student-athlete representative.
Allison Feaster, former Harvard student-athlete and current vice president of the Boston Celtics, independent representative.*
*Reappointment