The college sports landscape has changed significantly in recent years, most notably in terms of NIL and athlete compensation.
Another new frontier that could eventually be explored is the world of private equity and college programs being put up for sale.
Last month, Howard men’s basketball coach Kenny Blakeney made headlines when he expressed desire to sell a one-third stake in his program for $100 million to help the Bison compete in the ever-changing world of intercollegiate athletics.
Blakeney is a former Duke basketball player, like ESPN’s Jay Williams. On Tuesday, Williams told an audience at Front Office Sports’ “Tuned In” event that he one day hopes to own 49% of his former program.
“At the @FOS Tuned In event, ESPN’s Jay Williams tells @readDanwrite that he wants to one day own 49% of Duke basketball,” tweeted Front Office Sports’ Amanda Christovich. “He also says collective bargaining needs to happen.”
On Williams’ second point regarding collective bargaining, a recent House settlement has set the stage for revenue sharing, with players eligible to receive up to 22% of the average revenue from media rights, ticket sales and sponsorships.
Power conference schools are expected to be able to spend “between $20 million and $22 million.”
As for ownership stake in his alma mater, well, it’s an interesting goal for Williams, but it would depend on Duke ever being willing to sell off equity in the first place.
Williams starred at Duke from 1999-2002, winning National College Player of the Year honors in his third and final season after leading the Blue Devils to a national championship as a sophomore.
He was drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Bulls and made the NBA All-Rookie Team before a motorcycle accident cut short his promising career.
Related: ESPN’s Jay Williams Is Getting Crushed For His NCAA Tournament Expansion Take