A Conversation in Its infancy
At a recent gathering of college sports leaders, NCAA President Charlie Baker floated the notion of a more regionally focused schedule for athletics that do not involve football.
He pointed out that football teams typically play only a dozen or so games each season, whereas sports such as basketball, baseball and soccer can easily exceed thirty contests, creating a markedly different travel load for student‑athletes.
Baker emphasized that the disparity in game counts translates into far greater mileage and logistical strain for those programs, a factor he believes should shape any discussion about future scheduling models.
Early Dialogue, Not a Policy Shift
The NCAA chief was quick to stress that the proposal is still in its embryonic stages and that the conversation is centered on practical scheduling considerations rather than any intent to carve football out of the broader athletic landscape.
While no concrete changes are on the horizon, Baker described the exchange as a worthwhile exercise, suggesting that a regional approach could ease the burden on athletes and reduce costs for institutions.