Status Report on HBCU Athletics: Participation, Finances, and Student Experiences

Budgeting for Success

“…This can be attributed to the growth in non-Black student-athletes at HBCUs receiving scholarships. Overall, the number of Black student-athletes participating at HBCUs has decreased with the increase in white student-athletes (Bell & Jones, 2016). Based on this current trend, additional research into the differences in scholarship spending at HBCUs may help identify inefficiencies that can be corrected to prevent the closing of doors for Black women student-athletes and work to increase athletic aid opportunity.…”

“…Over the past 10 years, expenditures have increased significantly among HBCUs, however there has been little research on exactly how expenditures in HBCU athletics have increased. (Jones & Bell, 2016). Specifically, Jones and Bell (2016) called for more research on specific reasons HBCUs are spending more on athletics in areas such as coach salaries, scholarships, athletic aid, and operating expenses.…”

“…(Jones & Bell, 2016). Specifically, Jones and Bell (2016) called for more research on specific reasons HBCUs are spending more on athletics in areas such as coach salaries, scholarships, athletic aid, and operating expenses. Further understanding of those expenses could help HBCU athletic administrators better understand how to allocate funds.…”

“…Until an analysis on the perceptions, experiences, and opinions of the underserved members of the NCAA structure, little progress can be made to help the under resourced colleges and universities climb the ranks of the NCAA and to effect change at the institutional level. Research into athletic resources at smaller NCAA institutions, especially HBCUs, has been notably absent in recent literature, and further study in this area can help identify equitable solutions to the current conflict (Jones & Bell, 2016). Conflict will always exist among NCAA members because of the competition to gain more money, prestige, and power.…”

“…As noted by Jones and Bell (2016), research on intercollegiate athletics specifically focused on HBCUs has been "noticeably absent" (p. 49). Furthermore, consumers of HBCU athletic teams are rarely studied (Cianfrone et al, 2010;Stone, Cort, & Nkonge, 2012).…”