The men’s basketball coach at Howard University is proposing to sell a 33% stake in the program for $100 million to potential investors, according to reports. Coach Kenny Blakeney is seeking upgrades to the team’s arena, roster, and a possible move to a bigger conference. Blakeney has met with a private equity firm and investors, although the school’s athletic department has not commented on the matter. This move reflects a trend of schools exploring new revenue sources in light of changing dynamics in college athletics. The NCAA and major conferences have agreed to share revenue with athletes starting in 2025, indicating a shift towards recognizing the business aspect of college sports. Blakeney’s efforts suggest a growing trend of schools seeking creative financial solutions to keep up with these changes in the industry. The proposal is seen as a way to capitalize on the evolving landscape of college sports and generate revenue for the program. While the practicality of securing such a significant amount of investment remains uncertain, it highlights the innovative approaches being taken by schools to adapt to the new era of collegiate athletics.
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