Will Weatherford

Four chambers of commerce, from Venice to Lakewood Ranch, warn of the fallout of losing a USF campus in the Sarasota-Manatee region.

Redbird Capital and Tampa-based Weatherford Capital, as part of their Collegiate Athletic Solutions partnership, will provide a $12.5 million infusion and help create more commercial revenue for the Big 12.

The panel is examining more oversight of agents working for student-athletes, limiting transfers and exempting schools from federal antitrust laws to shield them from lawsuits on compensation.

Vice Chair Mike Griffin, known as "Mr. USF," will lead the board, pending elections. Weatherford, who will remain as trustee, led the panel during a period of unprecidented institutional growth.

Chris Mack stood out so strongly among dozens of interested candidates that USF "proactively" pursued him. Within days, he has shown the required "relentless obsession" as he recruits "everyday guys."

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the 32-acre Sarasota-Manatee campus of USF to be given to New College of Florida, where he installed a new board of trustees in 2023.

The arrangement with Collegiate Athletic Solutions, a platform co‑founded by Tampa‑based Weatherford Capital, would give each school access to a $30 million line of credit while supporting conference operations.

USF alum Rob Higgins, who successfully led the Tampa Bay Sports Commission for two decades, shows his passion and commitment in an introductory "celebration."

Weatherford Capital is one of two firms creating a platform to help athletic departments find funding with college sports on the verge of sweeping change that could have long-term financial implications.

The University of South Florida is one of many schools forced to phase out diversity, equity, and inclusion offices thanks to a new state law. But USF officials say the school will remain diverse.

Chair Will Weatherford said "it's our obligation as a public university to uphold the constitutional right of free speech and open dialogue" following recent Pro-Palestinian rallies on USF's campuses.

Students at USF rallied outside a Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday to protest House Bill 999, effectively ending all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on state college campuses.