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Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by Parent on December 23, 2024, 3:25 pm

I don't have an informed opinion on this, and I'm genuinely wondering about your thoughts, but with the reallocation of funds in college athletics, NIL, direct payments from schools, possibly making athletes employees of the university, etc., do you feel like college softball will still exist in the next 3 to 5 years?

Re: Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by Fluffington McGiggles on December 25, 2024, 1:01 am, in reply to "Lifespan of College Softball"

The optimist in me says the sport will flourish because:

- Softball is one of the most popular college sports.
- The money pouring in to and out of athletic departments due to the proposed House settlement and Title IX should benefit the sport.

The pessimist in me says the sport may stagnate because:

- If schools divest fully/partially their football and basketball programs, they may not need to abide by Title IX. (I think this is a distinct possibility; private equity is already circling.)
- The sport has demonstrated - over and over again - its inability to sustain a viable pro league. While this doesn’t directly impact college, it speaks to a lack of effective leadership in the sport.

Regardless of whether you are optimistic or pessimistic, I think the floor has been permanently raised. The energy and resources at the club level have never been better. The reality of NIL means that any coach, program or fan base can now raise funds independently, no matter what trickles down from football. And it’s proven to be a very good television product.

Maybe one day we’ll see semi-pro leagues that are comprised of students and non-students, playing in college stadiums, using college names, providing a great television product and a great earning opportunities for athletes.

Whatever the form, my wish would be for a future reality that allows girls and women to continue playing the game as long as they can compete at the highest level.

Re: Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by @McGiggles on December 25, 2024, 11:54 am, in reply to "Re: Lifespan of College Softball"

Pro softball will only succeed if tied to historically successful college programs. Have 10 teams in college stadiums in the summer, roster current and past players from that specific school, and allow for a few ringers.

Re: Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by @Fluff on December 25, 2024, 11:46 am, in reply to "Re: Lifespan of College Softball"

I gotta say. I don't always agree with you, but I sincerely appreciate your well-thought-out responses. Thanks again for your time and effort.

Re: Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by Bill Conroy on December 24, 2024, 10:27 am, in reply to "Lifespan of College Softball"

The landscape with continue to evolve and look different but I believe softball will flourish due to reasons you mentioned.

Re: Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by Parent on December 24, 2024, 9:52 am, in reply to "Lifespan of College Softball"

Because of title 9, I believe it will.

Re: Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by @Parent on December 24, 2024, 12:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Lifespan of College Softball"

I'm not sure if Title IX applies if they make athletics a separate entity from the university. I can't imagine they'll create a situation that will ultimately destroy female athletics, but who knows?

Re: Lifespan of College Softball

Posted by Why on December 24, 2024, 2:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Lifespan of College Softball"

They don't seem willing to protect female sports.

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