![]() Jackson said the NCAA’s new rules allowing student athletes to make money off of their own name, image or likeness (NIL) has created a still nascent market, but he’s concerned by what he has seen so far. Institutions are trying to find the best fit," Jackson said. I think student athletes are trying to find the best fit. I think there’s a certain level of fairness in terms of how we look at things. “People will do what they think is best for them. Jackson said he expects the constant shuffling of schools will settle “at some point,” but he adds that capitalism is a driving force behind much of it. The Valley’s realignment is just one example of what’s become an ongoing carousel in major college athletics as schools, coaches and student athletes seek better fits. Loyola explained it decided to leave the MVC because the Atlantic 10 already includes three Jesuit schools: Fordham, Saint Joseph’s and Saint Louis. ![]() Since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, the A-10 has posted 85 victories compared to 40 for Valley schools. The A-10 has not had a NCAA Tournament win since Rhode Island in 2017. That has meant bigger NCAA payouts for Missouri Valley schools, including ISU and Bradley. That's because of Loyola that has advanced to the Sweet 16 twice and the Final Four once since 2018. The Atlantic 10 - which will grow to 15 schools with Loyola’s arrival - has sent more teams to the NCAA men's basketball tournament than the MVC in the last five years, but the Valley has had more postseason success. “I’ll put our teams up against the Atlantic 10 any day if we want to go into a tournament,” Jackson declared. Jackson disputes the claim that Loyola was leaving for greener pastures. Loyola becomes the third MVC school to leave after raising their profile through the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, following Creighton (2013) and Wichita State (2017). Jackson said the conference is not focused on an even split, but he wants to ensure private schools such as Belmont don’t feel like a “lone wolf” among mostly public institutions. The MVC will have seven public schools and five private schools.Ĭourtesy The Missouri Valley Conference will still have four Illinois schools next season, when Illinois-Chicago replaces Loyola. The addition of two public schools removes the parity the league has generally maintained between public and private schools. ![]() “I think that bodes well when you are having conversations about what your conference is worth.” Public vs. “We’ve been pretty fortunate over the last month, we’ve added Chicago and Nashville,” Jackson said. Jackson added the Valley also benefits from having institutions in bigger cities where there are more MVC recruits, alumni and television viewers. “I don’t think people really have understood the value and the prestige and the presence that UIC has in the Chicago landscape,” Jackson said. Jackson said the UIC Flames, current members of the Horizon League, will be good for the Valley. “In the next year or two if another institution arises that we feel fits what we are looking for as a conference in terms of how they value student athletes, how they look at their development- especially in the sport of basketball, I’m sure our President’s Council will have the conversation,” Jackson said. ![]()
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