UTSA AD Lisa Campos Discusses Evolving College Athletics Landscape

Roadrunners AD talks CFP expansion, private equity, and the shifting role of athletic directors

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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UTSA athletic director Lisa Campos discussed a wide range of topics impacting college athletics, including potential expansion of the College Football Playoff and NCAA Tournament, the role of private equity in college sports, and how the job of an athletic director has evolved to be more business-focused in recent years.

Why it matters

As college sports navigate major changes around postseason formats, revenue sources, and the overall business model, Campos' insights provide a window into how athletic departments are adapting and the key issues they are grappling with.

The details

Campos addressed several hot-button topics in college athletics, including the possibility of expanding the College Football Playoff and NCAA Tournament to provide more access for non-Power Five programs. She also discussed the growing role of private equity in college sports and how athletic directors must now have a more business-oriented mindset to succeed in the evolving landscape.

  • Campos has been UTSA's athletic director since 2017.
  • She recently wrapped up a term on the NCAA Division I Council.

The players

Lisa Campos

The athletic director at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) since 2017.

Tim Pernetti

The commissioner of the American Athletic Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to be in that CFP championship. That's why we got into the American. To play at that highest level in a prestigious playoff format like that is what guys want to do. Never say never. Things evolve.”

— Lisa Campos, UTSA Athletic Director (Express-News)

“What people don't understand is private equity means a lot of different things. There's a lot of segments to private equity and private capital. At the end of the day, how we find solutions to position our conference, to position our institutions, to move forward and have that momentum, and put us in the best position possible. We have to explore all opportunities.”

— Lisa Campos, UTSA Athletic Director (Express-News)

What’s next

Campos indicated that UTSA will continue exploring opportunities presented by private equity and other new revenue sources as the athletic department works to position the Roadrunners for success in the evolving college sports landscape.

The takeaway

Campos' comments highlight the growing business-oriented focus of athletic directors, who must now navigate complex issues around postseason formats, private investment, and collective bargaining in order to support their student-athletes and programs. The role of the AD has shifted significantly in recent years as college sports becomes an increasingly competitive and commercialized industry.