The transfer portal and NIL money have helped level the playing field across college football. The result is the type of parity that makes the NFL must-see TV with the competition tighter than ever, especially in the Power Four conferences. In the Southeastern Conference, the average margin of victory is just 10.0 points per game. That is on pace to be the lowest for any power conference since at least 2000. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea says he feels like he's coaching in the NFL now.

Arkansas coach John Calipari is speaking out against the current name, image and likeness era in college sports, saying he refuses to become a "transactional" coach. Speaking at SEC basketball media days, Calipari emphasized the importance of being transformational rather than paying players to perform. He acknowledges the changes in college athletics, including softened transfer guidelines and the ability for students to profit from their celebrity.

Chicago Blackhawks' general manager Kyle Davidson focuses on developing the team's top prospects, including 11 first-round picks since 2022. The NHL's rising salary cap means financial flexibility isn't what it used to be, putting more emphasis on player development. Davidson says free agency is a tool, but growth from within is key. Many top teams retained their best players this summer. The diminished free agency market pressures non-playoff teams to develop their own stars. The Blackhawks use technology, including an internal app and AI, to aid player development.