Bryan Seeley Appointed CEO of College Sports Commission

Bryan Seeley, a senior executive with Major League Baseball and a former assistant U.S. attorney, has been appointed to lead the newly established College Sports Commission, following the recent approval of a significant lawsuit settlement by a federal judge.

Roles and Responsibilities of the College Sports Commission

The College Sports Commission will be tasked with overseeing the new revenue-sharing framework being introduced in NCAA Division I athletics as part of a $2.8 billion antitrust lawsuit settlement. The commission is set to officially begin operations on July 1.

Seeley’s Vision and Commitment

As the commission’s chief executive officer, Seeley will enforce compliance with revenue-sharing regulations, manage the clearinghouse for athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, and enforce penalties for any rule infractions. “I am honored to serve as the first CEO of the College Sports Commission at this pivotal moment in the history of collegiate athletics,” he stated. “I look forward to implementing a system that prioritizes fairness, integrity, and opportunity.”

Leadership and Governance

Seeley will report directly to a board comprised of commissioners from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC. Notably, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has previously collaborated with Seeley at MLB.

Transitioning Oversight of Athlete Compensation

While the NCAA continues to oversee eligibility and academic regulations, Seeley will take charge of regulating athlete compensation. Throughout his decade-long tenure at MLB, he advanced to the role of executive vice president for legal and operations, overseeing investigations and compliance.

Seeley’s Impact on MLB and Investigations

Seeley was instrumental in MLB’s investigation into sign-stealing practices, leading to disciplinary actions against the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. He also managed inquiries related to serious allegations against high-profile players, including Trevor Bauer and Wander Franco.

Moving Forward

Although Seeley’s exit marks a loss for MLB, the organization has ensured a succession plan is in place. As the College Sports Commission aims to enhance enforcement capabilities, it will leverage Seeley’s extensive legal background, reflecting a significant move toward a more robust regulatory framework in collegiate athletics.