The Virginia Military Institutes athletics committee reported improved disciplinary metrics among athletes and rising revenue indicators, and the board discussed an upcoming March 1 decision about whether VMI will opt into or out of an NCAA revenue-sharing/NIL arrangement that the board will revisit annually.

Discipline and oversight: the athletics committee said 52 athletes currently have zero or negative demerits, the median athlete has "30 or less" demerits, and 91% of athletes have finished under 75 demerits; 11 athletes were described as in "red" status and required to report to the commandant for counseling. The committee said increased communications between the commandant and the athletic director and a council of captains involving assistant coaches have been instituted to address demerits and conduct.

Revenue and sponsorships: the athletics committee reported revenue gains across several lines: football concession revenue rose, producing a roughly $50,000 increase compared with the previous year; new sponsorships increased by roughly 57%; and a new video board for Cameron Hall is planned to increase sponsor visibility. The committee said these revenue gains should help reduce the athletics deficit in the next budget cycle.

NCAA opt-in/opt-out decision and timing: board members were repeatedly reminded that March 1 is the deadline for the institute to notify an intent to opt in or opt out of the NCAA's proposed revenue-sharing arrangement, and that the decision is annual for a multi-year window (presenters discussed a 10-year implementation period). The committee described the decision as having wide implications: opting in could trigger revenue sharing with athletes but also additional compliance obligations; opting out could subject teams to roster limits and alter scholarship rules. The athletics committee said the board and administration plan to retain sports-law counsel and host a sports-law practice briefing before the deadline to explain legal and financial consequences.

What was said and who will act: the athletics committee presenter urged the board to treat March 1 as a decision point that may require an executive committee meeting and additional legal advice. "Decision day is coming, and I think we're going to probably get some legal advice on it," the athletics committee chair said. The board directed advancement, administration and trustees' groups to schedule briefings with counsel and to share findings with the board ahead of the March 1 deadline.

Context: several peer institutions and conferences had already signaled their decisions; the presenter noted the Ivy League had opted out. Committee members said VMI must weigh academic aid opportunities tied to NCAA programs (for example, academic awards that can be near $6,000 per eligible student) against competitive and scholarship impacts.

Next steps: the board asked the administration and the Kiedad Club (alumni fundraising group) to arrange a virtual briefing with sports-law counsel and to provide a recommendation to the executive committee and full board before March 1.