PURPOSE
The purpose of the 2025 Allen Sack National Symposium is to discuss how the landscape of college sports continues to evolve, examining the shifting dynamics between education, athlete compensation, mental health, and the commercialization of college athletics. They will explore alternative academic pathways for college athletes beyond traditional four-year degrees and consider innovative academic models. Given the immense pressure on college athletes, the importance of supporting their mental health and well-being will also be a key focus. Additionally, we will address how the changing economic environment impacts gender and racial disparities in the hiring and compensation of women and people of color in coaching and administrative roles within college athletics.
TICKETS
$250.00 Premium Seating Donor
$100.00 General Public
$75.00 Higher Education Faculty/Athletics Staff
TABLE SPONSORS
$2,000.00 STUDENT BENEFACTOR TABLE SPONSOR – enables eight graduate or undergraduate students in sports management or related fields from local DC colleges a universities to attend the symposium at no charge. Priority will be given to attendees from local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
$5,000.00 GOLD SUPPORTING SPONSOR– Supports the purpose of the Symposium – to educate the public about critical issues in college athletics – Gold Supporting Sponsors will enable the full participation at the Symposium of eight students majoring in sports management and related fields at local DC colleges and universities selected by The Drake Group. In addition, sponsor credentials are provided for eight guests of the Sponsor receiving full participation privileges.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS IN ANY AMOUNT TO SUPPORT STUDENT ATTENDANCE – to support student attendance or the work of the Education Fund on realizing the promise of graduation for academically at-risk college athletes
THE DRAKE GROUP EDUCATION FUND, Inc. is a Connecticut nonprofit corporation operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, a Maryland charitable trust recognized by IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178, ppf.org/pp). Contributions to THE DRAKE GROUP EDUCATION FUND are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Discounted hotel rates, parking information, National Press Club location will be sent to all
registrants.
PROGRAM DETAILS- SPECIFIC DETAILS TBA
PANEL 1: Charting the New Landscape of College Sports: Education, Equity, and Commerce Post House v NCAA: Discuss and debate pressing topics such as the evolving relationship between education, athlete compensation, and the commercialization of college athletics.
PANEL 2: Academic Models & Alternative Pathways. Are we serving the college athlete?: This panel session will explore alternative academic models, opportunities, and pathways for college athletes beyond traditional four-year degrees.
POST-LUNCH FIRESIDE CHAT: The future of Olympic sports, Title IX and the House v NCAA settlement.
PANEL 3: College Athlete A Day in the Life – College Athlete Mental Health & Well-being: This panel session will explore the importance of supporting college athlete mental health and well-being. Conference realignments have led to increased travel demands, longer seasons, and more pressure on college athletes.
PANEL 4: The Price of Progress: Navigating the New Economic Landscape for Women and People of Color in College Athletics: Gender and race disparities in college coaching and administration: How does the changing economic landscape affect the hiring and compensation of women and people of color in coaching and administrative roles in college athletics?
Who Are the Attendees?
National sports and higher education media, leaders, and key influencers from national sports governance organizations, NCAA Division I athletics programs, and national higher education and sports-related professional organizations, members of the U.S. Congress and their staff, higher education faculty, nationally recognized experts in the economic and legal aspects of college athletics, and members of the general public. One hundred invited sports management, sports law, and other currently enrolled students in sports-related majors from colleges and universities within 60 miles of Washington D.C. (with preference given to students from HBCUs and other low-resourced institutions) are invited to attend at no charge thanks to sponsors and donors. These stakeholders represent an investment in the development of future change agents.