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“The results of this public opinion poll are a timely and invaluable resource for lawmakers and leaders in Division I athletics to consider as they shape policies and legislation over the next several months,” said Len Elmore, co-chair of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. “It is important to know that the public overwhelmingly supports keeping college sports connected to its academic mission, even with the historic shifts on other issues like college athlete compensation.”
Access full survey results, including an executive summary, charts and data for all questions, at bit.ly/collegesportspoll
Summary of several key findings:
No public consensus on college sports governance and the role of federal and state governments
- Only about a third (35%) of Americans believe the NCAA should primarily be responsible for regulating college sports; just 6% of the public support the federal government assuming that role.
- In keeping with doubts about a federal role, most Americans are either skeptical or unsure that Congress should enact legislation to regulate college sports.
Overwhelming support for maintaining academic emphasis
- 8 out of 10 Americans (81%) believe it is extremely or very important for college athletes to be enrolled as full-time students and graduate.
- Nearly 75% of Americans support the current rule requiring teams to be on track to graduate at least half their athletes to remain eligible for postseason competition.