BYU-I Sports

Once a Viking, Always a Viking.

This website is dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Ricks College athletics while exploring the possibilities of reviving sports at BYU–Idaho. Our goal is to preserve history, spark conversation, and show how athletics can enrich student life, strengthen community spirit, and enhance the university’s identity.

  • What the House v. NCAA Settlement Means for Equity & Title IX

    What the House v. NCAA Settlement Means for Equity & Title IX

    The recent congressional briefing paper on Computation of Title IX Compliance under the Terms of the House v. NCAA Settlement sheds light on a pressing issue facing college athletics: how to balance new athlete compensation with long-standing gender equity law. As the NCAA and its member schools navigate the most sweeping financial shift in college sports history, the core principle of Title IX remains unchanged—male and female athletes must receive equitable treatment in financial assistance.

    The memo begins by explaining how Title IX compliance is determined. Universities must first calculate participation rates for male and female athletes, then compare those percentages to the share of total athletic financial aid each group receives. Any variance greater than one percent is considered inequitable unless justified by legitimate, nondiscriminatory factors. Using data from a sample Power Five university, the paper finds a 1.3% shortfall for female athletes—about $637,000 in underfunding. Correcting this imbalance would require increasing financial aid for women to achieve proportionality.

    The House v. NCAA settlement complicates this picture. The agreement allows schools to distribute up to $20.5 million annually to athletes beginning this year, with that amount projected to grow to $33 million within a decade. However, most Power Five institutions are already directing the majority of these funds to football and men’s basketball, raising concerns about ongoing Title IX violations. The paper notes that 57 of 65 Power Five universities were out of compliance based on their 2023–24 data and warns that ignoring gender proportionality in these new payments could lead to lawsuits and federal penalties.

    Still, the briefing makes clear that institutions can legally prioritize certain sports—such as football or basketball—as long as overall financial aid remains proportional across genders. Title IX does not require identical treatment sport-by-sport but rather ensures that, in total, male and female athletes receive benefits consistent with their respective participation rates. A school could therefore fund football heavily if women collectively receive their fair 48% share of total aid.

    The document also illustrates how the settlement alters scholarship structures and roster limits. In one example, a Power Five university could award up to 701 full scholarships under the new rules—over 400 more than previously permitted by NCAA regulations. Only the first $2.5 million in new scholarships would count against the $20.5 million settlement cap, giving schools significant flexibility to expand women’s scholarships and meet Title IX obligations without cutting into their capped compensation pools.

    Appendix A of the paper rejects the common argument that settlement payments fall outside Title IX’s scope. Whether the funds come from scholarships, revenue sharing, NIL agreements, or Alston academic awards, all financial benefits connected to participation in athletics must be distributed without sex-based discrimination. The memo cites federal statutes and court interpretations that make clear: “benefits” under Title IX include all forms of compensation, not just tuition-based aid.

    For BYU–Idaho, which currently does not sponsor intercollegiate athletics, these national developments hold valuable lessons. Should the university ever restore varsity sports, it would need to design an athletics model that honors both its gospel-centered mission and the legal framework governing college athletics. Title IX would require that any financial aid or scholarship opportunities be offered equitably to male and female athletes, regardless of sport. More importantly, BYU–Idaho could use its unique position to model an approach to athletics that prioritizes educational, spiritual, and personal growth over revenue generation—proving that sports can build disciples of Christ while still maintaining full compliance with federal law.

    As the landscape of college sports continues to shift, one truth remains clear: fairness is not optional. The future of athletics—at every level—will depend on institutions balancing innovation with integrity.

  • Playing for a Higher Purpose

    Playing for a Higher Purpose

    How Intercollegiate Athletics Can Strengthen BYU–Idaho’s Mission and Build the Kingdom of Christ

    When most people think of college athletics, they picture roaring crowds, televised games, and athletes chasing trophies. But for a university like BYU–Idaho (founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) intercollegiate athletics can represent something far greater than competition. Done the right way, it can be a living expression of discipleship, education, community, and consecration. Athletics can powerfully support the university’s mission to “develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities,” and in so doing, help build the kingdom of Christ.

    Athletics as Discipleship in Action

    Discipleship is not formed only in classrooms or devotionals; it grows in the moments when character is tested. Such as those moments when an athlete must choose humility over pride, integrity over advantage, faith over fear. Intercollegiate athletics provides these moments daily. Athletes learn to submit their will to the team’s needs, to respond to adversity with grace, and to find strength through prayer and effort. A Christ-centered athletic program can help students internalize the gospel principle that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

    Team prayer, scripture study, and service can reinforce the spiritual dimension of sport. A coach becomes not just a teacher of technique but a mentor in discipleship. When athletes see their talents as stewardship rather than status, sport becomes a sacred means of worship and an opportunity to glorify God through disciplined effort and clean competition.

    A Wholesome Academic, Cultural, and Social Environment

    Athletics can strengthen the academic and social fabric of the university when grounded in gospel standards. College sports bring students together in positive, uplifting ways that build unity and school identity. They create events where students, faculty, and families can gather in wholesome celebration. In a world where entertainment often drifts toward cynicism and excess, BYU–Idaho can model a better way: competition without contention, celebration without worldliness, enthusiasm without ego.

    Moreover, intercollegiate sports can complement the academic mission. Athletic programs require balance, such as time management, discipline, and accountability, all habits that support success in study and future employment. When athletics operates within the same spiritual and moral framework as the classroom, it strengthens the entire educational environment.

    Preparing Lifelong Learners and Leaders

    Few experiences develop leadership like team sports. Athletes learn to communicate under pressure, to motivate others, and to respond to both success and failure with perspective. They discover that leadership means service and that greatness often comes from lifting others. These are precisely the attributes BYU–Idaho seeks to instill in graduates who will lead in their homes, the Church, and their communities.

    The habits forged in athletics translate directly into professional life. Employers value these traits because they signify reliability and initiative. In this way, athletics becomes an applied education in leadership, helping students become the kind of dependable disciples who strengthen families, wards, and workplaces.

    Serving as Many Students as Possible

    Intercollegiate athletics at BYU–Idaho need not mirror the commercialized model seen at large universities. A carefully designed system, perhaps small in scale but broad in reach, could serve hundreds of student-athletes while enriching campus life for thousands more. Thoughtful resource stewardship could blend intercollegiate, club, and intramural opportunities, allowing students to participate at multiple levels.

    Such a model aligns perfectly with the university’s mission to serve “as many students as possible within resource constraints.” When guided by gospel purpose rather than profit, athletics becomes not a burden on the institution but a blessing to it. It provides a structure through which students learn teamwork, service, and humility—skills essential for both spiritual and professional growth.

    Building the Kingdom of Christ

    Ultimately, intercollegiate athletics at BYU–Idaho would not exist to win championships but to build character and faith. Each practice, each game, each handshake after competition could become an act of ministry. Visiting teams would encounter not just athletes, but ambassadors of Christ; students who compete fiercely but love sincerely.

    In a world increasingly divided, a Christ-centered athletic program can bear quiet but powerful witness that discipleship extends to every arena of life. The field, court, or track can become a chapel of effort and gratitude, where young men and women learn to consecrate their gifts to something eternal.

    BYU–Idaho was founded to build disciples of Jesus Christ. Athletics, properly framed, is not a distraction from that mission, it is a tool for it. When sport becomes service, and competition becomes consecration, the scoreboard matters far less than the souls shaped along the way. Through intercollegiate athletics, the university could not only strengthen minds and bodies but also raise hearts and testimonies toward heaven. In that sense, every point scored and every lesson learned could become part of building the kingdom of Christ: one game, one teammate, one disciple at a time.

  • High Stakes: How Sports Betting Is Changing College Athletics

    High Stakes: How Sports Betting Is Changing College Athletics

    The NCAA’s stance on sports betting is shifting quickly, and new data shows just how widespread wagering has become among young people. In 2023, the organization surveyed more than 3,500 adults between the ages of 18 and 22 to get a clearer picture of how often they bet and why. The results were eye-opening: more than half had placed a sports bet, and nearly two-thirds of students living on college campuses reported gambling more frequently than their peers off campus.

    One of the more troubling findings was how directly this ties into campus culture. Over 40 percent of student bettors admitted to wagering on their own school’s teams, while more than a third said they had placed bets through a fellow student acting as a bookmaker. Advertising has made the problem worse, with nearly two-thirds of on-campus students recalling betting ads, and the majority of those saying the ads pushed them to gamble more.

    The risks are real. About 16 percent of those surveyed displayed high-risk behaviors, such as betting multiple times a week, wagering more than $50 at a time, or losing more than $500 in a single day. Despite these red flags, half of all bettors believed they could consistently make money by gambling, a belief that runs counter to the reality of how odds and losses work.

    These findings come at a time when the NCAA is both cracking down and cashing in. Just this month, three men’s basketball players were banned for betting on their own games, including one who intentionally altered his performance to profit from wagers. At the same time, the NCAA announced a deal with Genius Sports, giving sportsbooks access to official NCAA data and trademarks through 2032, but only if they agree to strict limits on certain types of risky bets, like those involving injuries or referee calls.

    Betting is also changing the way fans engage. Nearly eight out of ten young bettors said they are more likely to watch a game live if they have money on it, showing how gambling is tying directly into sports viewership. That kind of engagement is tempting for organizations hungry for attention and revenue, but it comes with added pressure on athletes who now face not only competitive demands but also online threats and harassment from disgruntled bettors.

    The NCAA is walking a fine line. It wants to benefit from the booming gambling industry while still protecting the integrity of college athletics and the well-being of its student-athletes. Education campaigns, advertising restrictions, and tighter rules are all on the table, but the culture of betting is already woven deeply into the fabric of college sports. For fans, athletes, and schools, the stakes have never been higher.

  • The SAFE Act

    The SAFE Act

    The SAFE Act—Supporting Athletes, Fairness, and Equity Act—is Senate Democrats’ counterproposal to the House’s SCORE Act. Its odds of passage are slim, but its provisions reveal an alternative vision for the future of college sports—one that emphasizes equity, athlete protections, and the survival of women’s and Olympic sports.

    What the SAFE Act Proposes

    The most significant change would amend the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, allowing college conferences to pool media rights the way professional leagues do. Today, individual conferences and schools cut their own deals, which has helped the SEC and Big Ten dominate financially. Under the SAFE Act, pooling rights would increase bargaining power, stabilize revenue, and give the NCAA authority to oversee fair distribution.

    The bill would also impose rules on how games are broadcast. Football and basketball could not be locked up exclusively by one network. Instead, rights would need to be shared, and broadcasters would be forced to cover women’s and Olympic sports or risk forfeiting rights altogether.

    Athlete protections are another key piece. The SAFE Act would:

    • Guarantee scholarships for up to ten years after eligibility.
    • Provide five years of post-eligibility medical coverage.
    • Allow two penalty-free transfers.
    • Establish an agent registry with a five percent fee cap.

    Finally, the bill would override state NIL laws, creating a national standard. Collectives would have to show a “valid business purpose” for deals, which the NCAA would review. Oversight would fall to the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.

    Supporters and Opponents

    Supporters include NCAA leadership, who gain authority to coordinate pooled rights; advocates for women’s and Olympic sports, who see guaranteed funding and visibility; and some mid-major schools, who would welcome the stability of collective bargaining power.

    Opposition is fierce from the SEC and Big Ten, which profit from independent mega-deals, and from broadcasters who dislike losing exclusivity and being forced to carry lower-rated sports. Republicans in Congress also oppose the bill, preferring the SCORE Act’s focus on liability protection and freedom from broadcast mandates. Athlete labor advocates, meanwhile, criticize the SAFE Act for refusing to classify athletes as employees.

    The SAFE Act faces a steep climb. It lacks bipartisan support and would require 60 Senate votes to pass—a tall order in today’s polarized environment. Its practical role may be to pressure Republicans into amending the SCORE Act by spotlighting athlete protections and equity issues.

    What It Means for BYU–Idaho

    For a school like BYU–Idaho, the SAFE Act represents a model that values broad-based sports opportunities over narrow, football-first spending. Its mandates to protect women’s and Olympic sports align with Title IX values and send a clear signal: any future athletic program must be balanced, equitable, and sustainable.

    If intercollegiate sports ever return to Rexburg, they would do so in a system more closely resembling the SAFE Act than the SCORE Act. That means a framework where scholarships, health care, and equity are non-negotiable, and where women’s and Olympic sports are not optional add-ons but core to the mission. For BYU–Idaho, that vision fits naturally with the university’s emphasis on community, discipleship, and opportunity for all.

  • The SCORE Act

    The SCORE Act

    The SCORE Act—formally the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act—is the latest congressional attempt to bring order to the rapidly shifting world of college athletics. While its final shape is still uncertain, the bill has already advanced through House committees and represents the clearest picture yet of how federal lawmakers might regulate athlete compensation, NIL (name, image, and likeness) rights, and athletic department funding.

    At its core, the SCORE Act seeks to balance three competing priorities:

    1. Protecting athletes with uniform rules and guaranteed benefits.
    2. Providing legal and financial safeguards for the NCAA and its member schools.
    3. Preserving Olympic, women’s, and non-revenue sports in the face of mounting costs.

    Evolution of the Bill

    When the bill was first introduced in July 2025, it emphasized limits on funding sources and minimum team requirements. Schools with any coach earning over $250,000 would be required to sponsor at least 16 varsity sports. At the same time, the bill would prohibit schools from using student fees to subsidize athletics—a direct response to recent moves at places like Clemson and Fresno State, where students were charged new fees to cover revenue-sharing obligations.

    As the legislation moved through committees, the language shifted toward NIL standardization, athlete protections, and antitrust safeguards for the NCAA. The current version would override state NIL laws, create a national standard, regulate agent fees, and require contracts to have a “valid business purpose.” It would also prevent athletes from being classified as employees, a red line for both the NCAA and most lawmakers.

    What It Would Mean in Practice

    If enacted, the SCORE Act would establish a uniform NIL system across all 50 states. Athletes would gain consistent protections—scholarships that cannot be revoked for injury or performance, several years of post-eligibility medical coverage, and guaranteed academic support. At the same time, institutions would gain limited antitrust protection, shielding them from certain lawsuits so long as they follow SCORE provisions.

    The bill also tries to safeguard non-revenue sports. The 16-sport rule tied to high coach salaries is designed to prevent schools from eliminating Olympic or women’s programs to free up money for football and men’s basketball. However, critics argue that the student-fee ban will still push smaller schools to cut teams if they can’t raise revenue elsewhere.

    Political Reality

    Passage in the House looks possible, given its bipartisan co-sponsors and broad NCAA support. But the Senate is another matter. Democrats are backing the competing SAFE Act, which emphasizes broadcast-rights pooling, mandatory coverage of women’s and Olympic sports, and stronger athlete benefits. The philosophical divide—Republicans prioritizing stability and liability protection, Democrats prioritizing athlete welfare and equity—makes compromise difficult.

    Why It Matters for BYU–Idaho

    For schools like BYU–Idaho, which do not currently sponsor intercollegiate athletics, the SCORE Act has indirect but important implications. If passed, it would harden the financial lines of college sports. On one hand, the student-fee ban makes it harder for smaller schools to launch or relaunch athletic programs, since student contributions have often been a bridge to sustainability. On the other, the 16-sport mandate and protections for Olympic sports suggest that any future return to varsity athletics at BYU–Idaho would have to be built on a broad base of offerings—not just basketball or football.

    In short, the SCORE Act reinforces the idea that college athletics must serve the many, not just the few. If intercollegiate sports ever return to Rexburg, they will do so in a regulatory environment where compliance, sustainability, and equity matter as much as competition. For BYU–Idaho, that could be both a challenge and an opportunity.

  • Building the Foundation: Women’s Sports and BYU–Idaho’s Next Chapter

    Building the Foundation: Women’s Sports and BYU–Idaho’s Next Chapter

    Women’s sports are experiencing unprecedented growth, and colleges across the country are reaping the benefits of this momentum. The 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four drew 39,508 fans, the second-highest attendance ever recorded, proving that women’s athletics have moved from the margins to the mainstream. Major networks like ESPN are signing standalone broadcast deals for women’s tournaments, while streaming platforms have expanded visibility for soccer, softball, and volleyball. The result is simple: women’s sports now command their own space in the marketplace.

    Corporate investment reflects the same shift. Athletic giants like Nike and Adidas, alongside nontraditional sponsors such as Madison Reed, are funding women’s teams and athletes through NIL deals and partnerships. These connections bring financial stability to programs while allowing brands to engage directly with audiences that value equity and representation. Athletic departments that put resources into women’s sports—whether through facilities, marketing, or scholarships—are seeing returns not only in compliance but in ticket sales and community engagement.

    Individual stars have played a major role in pushing women’s sports forward. Caitlin Clark’s performances at Iowa sold out arenas and delivered record TV ratings, demonstrating that women’s athletes can drive both revenue and cultural attention. New leagues like Women’s League One Volleyball, which secured $160 million in startup funding, show that institutional investors also see women’s sports as a sustainable market with long-term growth potential.

    For BYU–Idaho, this national momentum should not go unnoticed. If intercollegiate athletics ever return to Rexburg, women’s sports could serve as the foundation. They offer a way to reintroduce varsity competition in alignment with the university’s mission while capitalizing on the cultural moment that women’s athletics are enjoying nationwide.

    A strategic women’s athletics program at BYU–Idaho could focus on seven sports: basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, and softball. Each brings unique strengths to the university. Basketball and volleyball are natural centerpiece sports, capable of filling the John W. Hart Building with students and community members while generating school spirit and media attention. Soccer and softball would extend the athletic presence outdoors, offering fall and spring sports that can bring families to campus and foster community connections. Cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track would give BYU–Idaho a competitive advantage by utilizing Idaho’s natural landscape and facilities while providing opportunities for large rosters of female athletes, reinforcing Title IX balance and promoting health and wellness.

    The benefits extend far beyond competition. These programs would strengthen recruitment, drawing high-achieving female students to Rexburg who may not otherwise consider BYU–Idaho. They would expand leadership opportunities, offering athletes the chance to serve as team captains, mentors, and role models on campus. They would also elevate the university’s visibility, positioning BYU–Idaho in regional and national conversations about the rise of women’s sports. Perhaps most importantly, they would unite students, faculty, and the broader Rexburg community through shared pride in competitive excellence rooted in the values of the university.

    The national trend is clear: women’s sports are no longer an afterthought. They represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in athletics, and schools that invest early are positioned to thrive. For BYU–Idaho, the question is whether to seize this moment as a chance to reconnect with its athletic past and use women’s sports to build a future of unity, visibility, and opportunity.

  • We Thank Thee, o God, for a Prophet

    We Thank Thee, o God, for a Prophet

    The passing of President Russell M. Nelson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marks the close of a remarkable life of faith, leadership, and service, but also the legacy of a man who embodied health, vitality, and joy through sport and recreation.

    President Nelson often taught that caring for the body is a spiritual duty. “Each time you look in the mirror, see your body as your temple,” he counseled, urging Church members not to neglect or defile their physical health. He emphasized diet, rest, and exercise as gospel principles, not just personal preferences. In his 1998 address We Are Children of God, he reminded listeners to “control our diet and exercise for physical fitness.” For Nelson, physical wellness was inseparable from discipleship, part of honoring the Creator who designed the human body.

    He did more than preach these truths. He lived them. An accomplished skier, President Nelson continued skiing well into his 90s, setting an example of vigor and discipline. His presence on the slopes symbolized more than athletic ability; it represented his belief that wholesome recreation uplifts the soul and keeps the spirit young. His continued participation in sport demonstrated that advancing years need not mean retreating from movement, joy, or challenge. For him, physical recreation helped combat the decline and isolation that often accompany aging.

    In his writings, Nelson described the magnificence of the human body, urging people to “look beyond … see the real you—a child of God.” He reminded the faithful that health habits align with gospel living and warned against worldly trends that contradict spiritual counsel. For him, recreation was never frivolous but “wholesome” when pursued with balance and discipline.

    Leaders and citizens alike praised his life of balance and vision. Utah Governor Spencer Cox remembered Nelson as “the best of men,” emphasizing his ability to build bridges across faith traditions and cultures. Senator Mike Lee called him a “bold, visionary leader prepared by God,” sharing a personal story of Nelson’s lifesaving heart surgeries on his grandparents. Senator John Curtis described Nelson’s 101 years as “a testament to service, faith, and vision.” Former Senator Mitt Romney highlighted his kindness as one of his defining personal traits, while others—from Church members to national figures—honored his legacy.

    President Nelson’s passion for sport and his teachings on the sanctity of the body stand alongside his broader prophetic legacy. He will be remembered for accelerating temple construction, centering gospel learning in the home, and calling for peace in times of division. Yet for many, his enduring example on the ski slopes and his steady reminders about health and fitness gave personal, tangible meaning to gospel living.

    His passing closes a chapter in Church history, but his influence continues. In both spiritual guidance and physical example, President Russell M. Nelson leaves behind a legacy of faith, discipline, vitality, and joy—reminding all that to care for the body is to honor God, and that recreation, like worship, can uplift the soul.

  • Community Questions: Where’s the Love for Cheer & Dance?

    Community Questions: Where’s the Love for Cheer & Dance?

    When people talk about the possible return of athletics at BYU–Idaho, the conversation usually jumps straight to the big-ticket sports—basketball, football, baseball, etc. But the reality is that one of the most certain additions would not be a varsity sport at all.

    Cheer and dance teams, which fall under the category of spirit squads, are much easier for colleges to sponsor and come with far fewer regulatory hurdles. They energize game days, build campus pride, and can even compete for national championships. In fact, if sports ever return to Rexburg, cheer and dance would almost certainly be at the front of the line.

    Why cheer and dance are easier to sponsor

    Cheer and dance teams do not fall under the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA definition of varsity sports. They are classified as spirit squads or student activities, not as championship sports. This means schools are not required to provide athletic scholarships or track their financial aid under NCAA equivalency limits. The result is a program that costs far less to run than varsity athletics.

    They also provide roster flexibility that helps institutions manage Title IX. Since football and other men’s sports create gender imbalances, universities often need programs that expand women’s participation. Cheer and dance can field large rosters of women, making them useful in demonstrating a commitment to equity without the expense of launching another NCAA-sanctioned sport.

    Because these programs do not fall under NCAA championship oversight, they operate with fewer regulations and more flexibility in scheduling and funding. They are free to compete at events like the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships without being tied to NCAA seasons. At the same time, they strengthen campus branding and alumni relations by creating an energetic atmosphere at games and special events.

    Regional Success

    The success of nearby programs provides a glimpse of what could be possible in Rexburg. The BYU Cougarettes are one of the most decorated collegiate dance teams in the country. Established in 1946, the Cougarettes began as a performance team and grew into a nationally dominant program. By 1998 they were already recognized by Dance Spirit magazine as one of the top 25 collegiate dance teams in the nation. Since then, they have only strengthened that reputation.

    As of last season, the Cougarettes have won 26 national championships across jazz, hip hop, team performance, and other categories. Their titles include eight NDA jazz championships, nine NDA hip hop championships, and multiple team performance titles, in addition to international recognition at events like the New Prague Dance Festival. Each year, over 100 dancers audition for a roster of just 18–23 spots, with members expected to have training in ballet, modern, and jazz. The team performs at BYU athletic events, contributes to the game-day experience, and consistently brings national recognition back to Provo.

    Weber State has also become a powerhouse in both cheer and dance. In 2024, the Wildcats secured national championships in jazz and hip hop while also dominating the cheer categories with wins in large and small coed. Their cheer squad has claimed seven consecutive large coed national titles, establishing Weber State as one of the premier programs in the country. The Wildcats’ ability to mix local talent with recruits from powerhouse junior colleges has elevated their status on the national stage.

    Implications for BYU–Idaho

    Together, BYU and Weber State illustrate how cheer and dance teams can succeed at the highest levels without the financial or legal complexities of NCAA athletics. They show that spirit squads can be cost-effective, competitive, and deeply connected to institutional identity.

    For BYU–Idaho, which would face significant obstacles in sponsoring varsity sports like football or wrestling, cheer and dance represent a practical and culturally compatible option. They would require fewer resources, tap into a strong regional talent base, and immediately add value to campus life and community engagement.

    If athletics return to Rexburg, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where cheer and dance are not part of the first wave. They check the boxes of affordability, flexibility, and student involvement while carrying the potential for national recognition. The examples set by the Cougarettes and the Wildcats show that these programs can thrive, and BYU–Idaho would be well-positioned to follow that path.

  • Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961

    Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961

    The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 is suddenly back in the headlines, not because of the NFL or another pro league, but because of a push to extend its protections to college sports. If you watched college football recently, you may have seen “Save College Sports” commercials. These ads are funded by Cody Campbell, a wealthy former Texas Tech player and current Texas Tech Board of Regents chair, who believes revising the SBA could generate billions in new revenue for college athletics.

    The SBA was passed in 1961 after a court ruling found that the NFL’s national TV deal violated antitrust law. Normally, competitors cannot jointly sell their media rights, but Congress gave leagues an exemption. This allowed professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL to pool broadcasting rights and sell them as a single package. The Act also created blackout protections, keeping pro games off TV during high school and college football timeslots.

    The SBA applies only to professional sports. College athletics are excluded, thanks to the Supreme Court’s 1984 NCAA v. Board of Regents decision, which shifted TV rights power from the NCAA to individual schools and conferences. That is why fans now see fragmented media deals with SEC games on ESPN, Big Ten games on Fox, Pac-12 scattered across streaming services, and so on.

    Campbell argues that this patchwork of conference-specific contracts leaves billions on the table. He estimates that college sports currently generate about $5 billion annually in media rights, but that a unified national package could more than double that to $12 billion. The extra money, he says, could save women’s and Olympic sports, reduce financial pressure on struggling athletic departments, and help programs outside the so-called Power Two conferences.

    Through his self-funded 501(c)(4) group, Saving College Sports, Campbell has already spent six figures lobbying Congress. His ads aired on ESPN’s College GameDay and Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff, directing fans to his petition and advocacy website. He proposes forming a new entity, the United States Collegiate Athletics Corporation, to handle media negotiations and distribute revenue across schools.

    Despite the flashy ads, there is no formal legislation to amend the SBA. Current bills in Congress, such as the SCORE Act, do not touch the law. Critics say Campbell’s campaign oversimplifies the issue and may be more about protecting institutions than athletes. Expanding antitrust exemptions could undercut the player rights movement that has already weakened NCAA control over broadcasting, NIL, and compensation rules. Others point out that applying a 1961 framework to today’s streaming-driven media environment might create more problems than it solves.

    At first glance, a national college sports TV package seems far removed from BYU-Idaho, which has not fielded intercollegiate teams since 2000. But the outcome of this debate will shape the entire ecosystem of college athletics. If smaller programs gain financial stability through shared broadcast revenue, the pathway for schools considering re-entry into athletics could widen. For BYU-Idaho, the key issue is sustainability and whether athletics can be aligned with its mission without overwhelming financial strain. A restructured media landscape that reduces the financial risks for non-powerhouse schools would make the idea of Vikings sports returning to Rexburg more realistic.

    The Sports Broadcasting Act might feel like dusty legislation from another era, but its future could influence how college sports survive and grow, and whether institutions like BYU-Idaho could eventually see athletics as part of their future again.

  • Lessons Learned on Feb. 8

    Lessons Learned on Feb. 8

    On Saturday, February 8, 2025, something remarkable happened inside the John W. Hart Building. For the first time since athletics were cut in 2000, a BYU–Idaho basketball team faced outside competition, squaring off against a group of students from Provo in an exhibition matchup. What unfolded that night was more than a basketball game; it was a living example of the energy, unity, and educational value that varsity sports can bring to campus life.

    The game itself was a runaway success. BYU–Idaho dominated from start to finish, securing a 96–79 win with balanced scoring, relentless defense, and sharpshooting from beyond the arc. The Hart was packed, with tickets selling out in just three days. Another 900 students filled an overflow watch party in the MC, and 200 more streamed the game live from home.

    The crowd was electric. Students rose to their feet after every big play. The energy peaked during the Financial Aid Scholarship skills challenges, where students competed for four $500 awards and one full-tuition scholarship. When Luke Yorgesen hit a half-court shot to secure the full ride, the student section stormed the court. The celebration rivaled any NCAA upset moment.

    For many in attendance, the night felt like a glimpse into what BYU–Idaho could once again become: a campus united, a community energized, and a student body experiencing the unique thrill of college sports. “It was so much fun to finally have a real athletics event here,” said sophomore Emily Carter. “I’ve always wished BYU–Idaho had teams to cheer for, and tonight felt like something we’ve been missing.”

    Others echoed the sense of community. “I’ve never seen the Hart that loud or that full,” said junior Jacob Hansen. “It didn’t matter what ward you were from or what major you’re in. Everyone came together as one student body. That’s something we don’t get very often outside of devotional.”

    Sports have always been a conduit for unity. From the global spectacle of the Olympics to a pickup game on a neighborhood court, they bridge divides of race, religion, and socioeconomic status. On a campus level, they provide a rallying point for identity and belonging. The BYU–Idaho exhibition proved this firsthand. Students who might never cross paths in class found themselves shoulder to shoulder in the Hart, chanting for the same team. Intramurals are strong at BYU–Idaho, but organized intercollegiate competition opens doors for underrepresented groups, fosters school pride, and creates communal traditions that strengthen bonds between students and alumni.

    The educational value of athletics cannot be overlooked. Varsity sports are classrooms in disguise, teaching discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. A basketball player learns how to set goals and persevere through adversity. A track athlete develops time management skills balancing training and coursework. These lessons translate far beyond the court or field, shaping well-rounded graduates who lead in business, family, and community life. Team environments cultivate communication and leadership skills, while sportsmanship—whether shaking hands after a hard-fought contest or helping an injured opponent—models civility and respect in a polarized world.

    Sports are also culture, tied to rituals, traditions, and collective memory. For BYU–Idaho, Ricks College athletics once provided that cultural heartbeat. Championships, rivalries, and game-day traditions became part of the school’s story. Reintroducing varsity sports would restore that cultural identity, linking past generations of Vikings with future students. The economics matter too. College athletics create jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract visitors. On campus, they drive enrollment, increase alumni engagement, and strengthen the institution’s brand. The February exhibition demonstrated how one game could generate buzz across Rexburg and beyond—imagine that multiplied across multiple sports and seasons.

    Educationally, sports open pathways for social change. Title IX is the most obvious example, providing women equal access to athletics and reshaping higher education. Sports also create leadership opportunities for underrepresented students, build bridges between faculty and administration, and provide applied learning in sports management, communication, and related fields. College athletics occupy a unique space between education and commerce. They are not professional teams driven by profit, but neither are they simply student clubs. They operate in what scholars call an “emotional economy,” fueled by loyalty, identity, and tradition. For alumni, supporting a college team is an extension of identity. The emotional return on that investment is often stronger than any financial return.

    Commercialization has reshaped the landscape as well. Broadcasting, streaming, and sponsorships allow even smaller schools to generate visibility and revenue. The February 8 game, streamed online to hundreds of viewers, demonstrated the appetite for BYU–Idaho athletics in the digital age. At the same time, varsity sports support the university mission by integrating athletics into academics. Student-athletes must balance coursework with training, and programs provide tutoring, mentoring, and leadership development. Rather than detracting from education, well-run athletics enhance it.

    The exhibition game against the Provo team revealed three truths:

    First, there is demand. A sellout crowd, overflow watch parties, and livestream viewership proved the student body is hungry for athletic competition.

    Second, there is value. Scholarships, campus unity, and media attention turned one game into a memorable, institution-wide event.

    Third, there is precedent. For over 80 years, Ricks College athletics built traditions, produced national champions, and united the community. That heritage remains a powerful asset.

    Varsity sports are not about nostalgia alone. They are about aligning athletics with BYU–Idaho’s mission: preparing disciples of Christ who excel in every aspect of life. Sports provide a natural laboratory for discipline, leadership, integrity, and community building. The February 8 game was fun, but it was also instructive. It showed what sports can do, ignite a crowd, unite a campus, and create memories that last. It gave BYU–Idaho students a taste of what generations before them experienced when Ricks College was a national power in junior college athletics.

    Sports matter because they are more than entertainment. They are education, culture, health, economy, and unity wrapped into one. BYU–Idaho has the facilities, the history, and now the proof of concept. The only question is whether the institution will seize the opportunity to restore varsity athletics and let sports once again play their vital role on campus.

    Video of this event can be watched here: https://video.byui.edu/media/t/1_lgklvzg7