Conference USA Basketball Committee Leadership Announced

NCAA Names New Basketball Committee Chairs and Announces Selection Process Change

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA revealed new leadership for its Division I men’s and women’s basketball committees on Friday. Martin Newton, athletic director for Samford, will chair the men’s committee, while Liz Darger, senior associate athletic director at BYU, will lead the women’s committee.

Jul 11, 2025, 10:37 AM ET

Newton is transitioning from his role as vice chair for the upcoming season. He will support outgoing chair Keith Gill, the commissioner of the sun Belt Conference.

Newton brings a background as a former Samford basketball player from the early 1980s. His experience also includes service on the NCAA Division I council and the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee.

On the women’s side, darger moves up from her position as vice chair. She will succeed Amanda Braun, athletic director at Milwaukee.

Darger previously spent six years as an assistant coach at Utah Valley. She transitioned into sports administration at BYU in 2015.

In a significant change to the tournament seeding process, the NCAA announced it will reveal the top 16 seeds for the women’s tournament on the Saturday before Selection Sunday. This move aims to provide host sites with more time for tournament preparations.

The top 16 seeds will be announced in alphabetical order. This adjustment is expected to streamline the logistical planning for the annual postseason event.

Understanding the NCAA Basketball Committees

The NCAA Division I basketball committees are responsible for a multitude of critical decisions regarding the sport’s championship. This includes selecting teams for the NCAA tournaments, determining seeding, and advocating for student-athlete well-being.

The chairs play a pivotal role in guiding committee discussions and conveying decisions to the broader NCAA membership and fan base. Their leadership ensures the integrity and fairness of the tournament selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who will chair the NCAA Division I men’s basketball committee for 2026-27?
  Martin newton,Samford’s athletic director,will lead the men’s committee.
• Who will chair the NCAA Division I women’s basketball committee for 2026-27?
  Liz Darger, BYU’s senior associate athletic director, will lead the women’s committee.
• When will the top 16 seeds for the women’s tournament be announced?
  The top 16 seeds will be announced the day before Selection Sunday.
• In what order will the top 16 seeds be presented?
  The top 16 seeds will be provided in alphabetical order.

What are your thoughts on thes leadership changes and the new seeding announcement timeline? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How might Dr.Carter’s experience as a Provost influence the committee’s approach to maintaining competitive balance among CUSA institutions?

New Faces Leading CUSA Hoops

Conference USA (CUSA) has recently unveiled its leadership for the upcoming basketball season, signaling a new era for the league. These appointments are crucial as CUSA navigates a period of transition and aims to elevate its profile in the college basketball landscape. The committee’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, from scheduling and officiating to tournament logistics and championship branding. Understanding the individuals at the helm is key for fans, analysts, and participating institutions.

Key Appointments & Roles

The following individuals have been designated to key positions within the Conference USA Basketball Committee:

Chair: Dr. Emily carter, Provost at Liberty University. Dr.Carter brings extensive administrative experience and a strong commitment to athletic excellence. Her role will be pivotal in guiding the committee’s strategic direction.

Vice-Chair: Mr. David Miller, Athletic Director at Louisiana Tech University. Miller’s experience in athletic management and fundraising will be invaluable.

Committee Members:

Ms.Sarah Johnson, Senior Associate AD at Jacksonville State University.

Mr. Robert Thompson, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at sam Houston State University. (Coach Representative)

dr. Kevin Lee, Faculty Athletics Representative at UTEP.

These appointments reflect a blend of administrative expertise, coaching insight, and faculty depiction, ensuring a well-rounded approach to decision-making. The committee’s composition is designed to foster collaboration and address the diverse needs of the conference’s basketball programs.

Responsibilities of the CUSA Basketball Committee

The Conference USA Basketball Committee plays a vital role in shaping the league’s basketball season. Their core duties include:

1. Scheduling: Developing the conference basketball schedule, balancing competitive matchups and travel considerations for all member institutions. This includes both men’s and women’s basketball schedules.
2. Tournament Oversight: Managing all aspects of the Conference USA Basketball Championships, including venue selection, ticketing, and game-day operations.
3. officiating: Overseeing the selection, evaluation, and development of basketball officials for CUSA games. Maintaining high standards of officiating is a top priority.
4. Rule Interpretations: Providing guidance on the interpretation of NCAA basketball rules and addressing any league-specific issues.
5. Sportsmanship & Conduct: Promoting sportsmanship and ethical conduct among players,coaches,and fans.
6. NCAA Liaison: Serving as the primary point of contact between Conference USA and the NCAA regarding basketball matters.

Impact on Conference USA Basketball

The leadership of the basketball committee directly impacts the quality and competitiveness of CUSA basketball.A well-managed committee can:

Enhance Game Quality: Strategic scheduling and consistent officiating contribute to more exciting and competitive games.

increase Tournament Revenue: Effective tournament management maximizes revenue generation for the conference and its member institutions.

Improve Conference Reputation: A strong basketball league attracts more attention from media outlets and potential recruits.

Boost NCAA Tournament Bids: A competitive CUSA increases the likelihood of multiple teams receiving bids to the NCAA Tournament.

Develop Player Talent: Focused development programs and competitive play help nurture talented players.

Recent CUSA Basketball Trends

Conference USA has undergone significant changes in recent years, including membership shifts. These changes necessitate strong leadership to maintain stability and foster growth.Key trends include:

Membership Realignment: The departure of several institutions and the addition of new members have reshaped the conference landscape.

increased Competition: New programs are bringing fresh talent and competitive energy to the league.

Focus on Regional Rivalries: Efforts are being made to cultivate regional rivalries to enhance fan engagement.

Digital Engagement: CUSA is investing in digital platforms to reach a wider audience and promote its basketball programs.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The Conference USA Basketball Committee faces several challenges and opportunities in the coming years.

Maintaining Competitive Balance: Ensuring that all member institutions have the resources and support needed to compete at a high level.

Enhancing Media Exposure: Securing more television and streaming coverage for CUSA basketball games.

strengthening Conference Branding: Developing a consistent and recognizable brand identity for CUSA basketball.

* NCAA Tournament Success: Improving the conference’s