In the days leading up to the start of the 2023-24 NCAA Division I Basketball Season, the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and its leadership – Board of Directors and Council of Athletic Directors – conducted a two-day summit (Wednesday-Thursday, November 1-2) at the NCAA National Office.  During the summit, Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletic Directors from the 12 MVC member institutions engaged with NCAA President Charlie Baker and most of his senior leadership team on a range of issues directly impacting Division I intercollegiate athletics.
 
"This was a tremendous opportunity for our membership, as it aligns with our on-going efforts to improve the experiences of our student -athletes," said Commissioner Jeff Jackson. "We especially want to thank President Baker for being so gracious with his time. I also would like to commend President Baker and his staff for the openness and frankness of the conversations as we all look to find answers in an ever-changing landscape."  
 
During the summit, MVC leadership heard from President Baker on key strategies and priorities the NCAA is pursuing in response to dramatic transformation of college sports. Baker’s National Office Leadership Team led wide-ranging conversations that touched on truly critical issues impacting Division I membership, including NIL, the legislative and legal landscape, sports betting, transfer-related issues (including waivers), enforcement and infractions, the Academic Progress Rate (APR), and gender equity progress.
 
As a basketball centric league, the group engaged with Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball, who addressed the recently announced changes to the 2024 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and the future of the Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, while Lynn Holzman, Vice President of NCAA Women's Basketball, shared information regarding the inaugural Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT).
 
During the retreat, MVC leadership engaged in key discussions on a range of strategic and business priorities geared toward enhancing the student-athlete experience. Championship sites, championship-related initiatives, gender equity, efforts to engage with Congressional representatives and initiatives to position the league to navigate the sports betting landscape were among the topics addressed.
 
“Institutions in the Missouri Valley Conference have a proven track record of success on a national stage. Our student-athletes have shown an ability to compete with the best of the best” stated President Jose Padilla, Chair of the MVC Board of Directors. “We look forward to collaborating with the NCAA to create opportunities to showcase our talented teams while providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes and fans alike.”
 
The Missouri Valley Conference is well represented on national governing committees as leaders at league institutions continue to actively seek positions of influence within NCAA governance and national sport committees.   Click Here for 2023-24 Appointments