The Future of College Athletics and Sports Media: Where They Are Now, Where They Are Headed

The future of college sports is in flux as it faces significant changes and opportunities. As legal and regulatory affairs reshape the rules of college athletics and athletes are compensated for NIL (name, image, and likeness), the potential new models for college athletics are intended to balance the interests of athletes, universities, and fans. Nobody knows that better than Adrian "Woj" Wojnarowski.

A sports journalist for many years in the New England area, then with Yahoo Sports, Wojnarowski joined ESPN in 2017 and worked at the network for over seven years, becoming one of the most well-known and respected names in the industry and sports world as a whole. He has been recognized as transforming the NBA's newsbreaking and reporting, covering the league, its teams, players, trade deadlines, free agency, the NBA Draft, and more. He became ESPN's Senior NBA Insider and was voted the National Sports Media Association's National Sportswriter of the Year three consecutive years in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Yet in 2024, he decided to jump ship and give back to the university he once called home, St. Bonaventure, becoming the first-ever general manager for the St. Bonaventure men's basketball team.

In his role as general manager, he serves the coaching staff in a wide range of responsibilities such as managing NIL opportunities, solidifying key relationships, leading fundraising efforts and professional player programs. Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics, many power conference and mid-major schools have added the role of general manager, especially for football and basketball programs. Bonnies head coach Mark Schmidt has called Wojnarowski's hire critical to navigate the landscape of college basketball in NIL, recruiting, and retention thanks to his knowledge of the industry and expansive networking connections.

Date/Time: Monday, October 27, 2025 7:00-8:30PM

Location: Gannon University, Yehl Ballroom, Waldron Campus Center, 628 Peach St, Erie, PA 16501

Admission:

• General Admission: $35
• Preferred Seating: $60 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
• Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee 

Parking: Gannon University parking garage on Peach Street.