East Texas A&M University Athletics

Why would A&M-Commerce change conferences/classification? 
Texas A&M University-Commerce is uniquely positioned to expand its educational footprint and institutional profile in the robust Dallas metropolitan region.  It is a region of vision, vitality, and verifiable results, much like the current state of our institution and athletics program.  As A&M-Commerce has grown, so has our ability to compete for conference, regional, and national championships.  With the evolving landscape of the NCAA, changes in legislation relative to student-athlete transfer opportunities, and the geographical competitors in our recruiting footprint, it is certainly a time to consider the best possible position for A&M-Commerce and Lion Athletics.  Further, the Southland Conference, a longstanding NCAA Division I conference, provides an outstanding regional competitive home to build on the university’s increasing momentum.
 
Is Division I better for us? 
Yes.  The institutional profile of A&M-Commerce related to enrollment, faculty and staff size, and success of our academic and athletic programs aligns with many current NCAA Division I institutions.  With the opportunity to showcase our brand on a larger stage, align with likeminded institutions that serve both metropolitan and regional footprints, and partner with institutions similar to us in size and academic offering, there has never been a better time for us to take our seat at the Division I table than right now.  Media and television broadcast opportunities significantly increase for Division I members, and the coverage of the university and our athletics program will grow exponentially.


Can we afford the move to NCAA Division I and the Southland Conference?
This question has received thoughtful and substantive analysis for the last several months.  Both our institution and athletics financial teams have worked collaboratively on expense and revenue projections, and it has been an enlightening and highly engaging process.  From the beginning of these conversations, the Southland Conference has been a true partner and understands it is not a one-way relationship.  We are both better together, and we look forward to collaboratively assessing and establishing our financial models for reclassification to NCAA Division I.  
 
What will be the “big ticket” financial adjustments required for a Division I transition?
Without question, the increased number of NCAA-awarded scholarships is a large ticket item.  As an example, NCAA Division II maximum scholarships for football is 36, while NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) has a maximum of 63.  There are scholarship growth requirements for each sport.  This is not as pronounced an increase as football, but it still requires funding.   Certain coaching positions also require competitive market adjustments.
 
The revenue opportunities at NCAA Division I are significantly larger as well, with annual conference revenue distributions (primarily from NCAA March Madness), academic progress rate incentives, and sports sponsorship annual dollars.  Additionally, guarantee games in football and men’s and women’s basketball will allow for significant revenue opportunities on an annual basis.   Further, our Lion Champions Fund (annual donations), Lion Sports Properties (corporate partnership revenues), and Lion Sales and Service (group and season tickets) will have growth opportunities.
 
Was this move made specifically for football?
It was not. The opportunity to improve and align each of our sports with the Southland Conference and NCAA Division I brand was a driving force.  After the four-year transition period, we will be able to compete for participation in March Madness and all other NCAA postseason.  Perhaps most importantly, new and current SLC members have a shared vision to shape the conference’s future and be proactive in advancing our student-athlete centered mission.
 
Are there any potential cost savings with a move to the Southland Conference and Division I?
There will certainly be opportunities in some cases.  Rather than longer and more trips to more institutions, we will have trips into the heart of Louisiana.  While we are currently the northern most SLC member, we are no longer considered a “geographical extreme” compared to our fellow conference members.
 
What about postseason opportunities during the mandatory four-year transition period?
Each of our sports programs at A&M-Commerce are competitive on a conference and regional level.  In some cases, that also applies to the national level.  Thus, we believe that further success from a variety of sports is not only attainable, but very realistic in our initial competitive pursuits.  We will immediately be eligible to compete for regular season championships in the sports that designate both a regular season and postseason tournament champion.   Non-NCAA postseason opportunities in sports that offer those opportunities could also be on the table with team success.  Also, the Southland has committed to permitting A&M-Commerce competitive opportunities for our student-athletes in league championships where no NCAA restrictions occur. 
 
Will we add sports?
At this time, we currently sponsor 14 sports programs, one over the NCAA requirements for Division I.  As we go through our transition period, we will conduct an analysis of our array of sport program offerings in collaboration with programs sponsored by the Southland Conference.
 
What other benefits does the expansion provide?
Most importantly, the Southland Conference is a much more geographically-friendly conference related to team travel and distance between institutions.   The more efficient travel will allow our student-athletes to be in the classroom more frequently and not have travel across four different states. 
 
The SLC has members located in high-growth, warm weather areas that are either nearby or in metropolitan markets. As such, it enhances university-wide exposures, increases recruiting territories for our institution, and promotes long-term sustainability and growth.  The Southland Conference also has a comprehensive multi-year agreement with ESPN Networks that will open opportunities for digital and linear television of A&M-Commerce athletics, both home and away. The Southland Conference is the only NCAA Division I conference that can now showcase institutional presence in Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, and Corpus Christi.