In this episode of On Stage, Charlie Baker, President of the NCAA, sits down with Abraham Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for a wide-ranging discussion on where college sports stand—and where they’re headed next. Recorded on December 9, 2025 at SBJ’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in Las Vegas, the conversation captures Baker at a pivotal moment, as the NCAA navigates unprecedented structural change, financial pressure, and evolving expectations from athletes, schools, and fans alike. Topics explored include: Redefining the NCAA’s Role: How Baker views the organization’s mission amid rapid change and increasing external forces. The Economics of College Sports: Balancing sustainability, fairness, and competitive integrity across divisions. Student-Athlete Experience: Where progress has been made and where work remains to support athlete welfare and opportunity. Leadership in Transition: What it takes to lead through uncertainty while aligning a diverse and complex membership. What Comes Next: Baker’s perspective on the long-term direction of college athletics in a reshaped landscape. It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation that provides clarity and perspective on one of the most consequential periods in the history of college sports.