Press Releases

Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Chairman Burgess Owens (R-UT) sent a letter to University of Utah President Taylor R. Randall to examine the university’s recent private equity agreement and its broader implications for college athletics. 

In the letter, the Members write: “The House Committee on Education and Workforce has been closely monitoring recent developments in collegiate athletics, including the growing involvement of external investment, particularly from private equity and large institutional investors. On December 9, 2025, the University of Utah Board of Trustees unanimously approved a partnership with the private equity firm Otro Capital.”

The letter continues: “As the Committee with jurisdiction over federal education policy, including oversight of institutions of higher education and their athletic programs, we are interested in examining this partnership and its broader implications for college athletics.”

The Members conclude: “While recognizing the escalating costs in collegiate athletics, including revenue share obligations under the House v. NCAA settlement, NIL-related expenses, and coaching salaries, the Committee seeks to better understand the University’s rationale for entering into this arrangement.” 

Read the full letter here.

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