From the D! Ticker
The DI Membership Committee is recommending the DI Board of Directors introduce legislation to change the DI reclassification application fee to be “based on six times the amount of the estimated annual average value of direct benefits through distribution and championships made available to Division I members.” Here’s the thesis…
➤ “This recommendation reflects the committee’s conclusion that the current application fee undervalues Division I membership. The increased application fee is based on the fewest number of years that a reclassifying institution needs to move from entering the reclassification process to becoming fully eligible to receive DI revenue distribution. It more accurately reflects the value of Division I membership, retains the legislation’s existing refund provisions, mitigates the dilution of revenue distribution for members of the division and helps position the division to address any championships-related pressures a larger division may face. Further, the increased application fee helps a reclassifying institution demonstrate its financial commitment to Division I’s philosophy, operating principles and student-athlete experience.”
➤ Currently, the DI application fee is $1.96M and is equal to the estimated annual average value of direct benefits. If approved, the change would apply to schools entering the reclassification process in 2027-28. The BoD is set to meet on Tuesday. (link, link, link)