The Southern Conference

The Southern Conference, with a designation as a nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 540674274), is a collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. Established in 1921, it is one of the oldest major athletic conferences in the United States.

Purpose and Designation

As a nonprofit organization, its operations are aligned with purposes such as fostering national or international amateur sports competition. The Southern Conference does not provide athletic facilities or equipment, reflecting its focus on sports competition rather than infrastructure development[1].

History and Overview

Founded in 1921, the Southern Conference is recognized as the fifth-oldest major college athletic conference in continuous operation in the U.S.[3]. It involves member institutions located across several states in the southeastern U.S., including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The conference competes at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level and is noted for its strong football program, with past members achieving significant championship victories. Historically, members like the Appalachian State Mountaineers and Georgia Southern Eagles have shown remarkable success against larger competitors[3].

Financial Overview

The organization generates revenue primarily through program services, which constitute a significant portion of its total revenue—ranging from approximately 57% to 68% annually. Other notable sources of revenue include contributions and other revenues[1]. The conference’s financial structure supports its commitment to sports development and education.

Education and Athletics

The Southern Conference emphasizes educational values alongside athletic achievements. Recently, it was recognized by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics as a C.A.R.E. Champion for fully implementing principles that prioritize student-athletes' education, health, safety, and well-being[2]. This distinction highlights the conference's commitment to integrating educational principles into its financial incentives and athletics spending.

Member Institutions

As of recent updates, the Southern Conference comprises ten member institutions:

• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• The Citadel
• East Tennessee State University
• Furman University
• Mercer University
• Samford University
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Virginia Military Institute (VMI)
• Western Carolina University
• Wofford College

These institutions participate in a variety of sports, with the notable exception of UNC Greensboro, which does not sponsor football[3].