Autonomy schools have powers to set independent rules on which topics?

• A. Benefits, NIL, and athlete welfare
• B. Facility construction and capital projects
• C. National recruiting calendars for all divisions
• D. Conference alignment and travel budgets

Answer: (A)

Autonomy conferences were granted the authority to tailor rules that directly affect student-athletes in select areas. The best choice reflects this: benefits for student-athletes, rights to earnings from name, image, and likeness, and overall athlete welfare. This means these groups can shape policies around things like cost-of-attendance stipends, enhanced medical coverage and support services, and programs that support athlete well-being and post-college transitions, as well as guidelines for athletes to monetize their NIL.

The other topics fall outside what autonomy groups set. Facility construction and capital projects are about infrastructure decisions handled at institutions or broader athletic departments. National recruiting calendars for all divisions are governed at the larger NCAA/Division level rather than within the autonomy framework. Conference alignment and travel budgets relate to organizational and logistical planning, not the autonomous rules shaping athlete benefits and welfare.