JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, host Kent Justice sits down with Jeff Bacon, the commissioner of the Atlantic Sun Conference, to discuss the bold move of relocating the conference headquarters from Atlanta to Jacksonville.
With nearly two years under his belt in Northeast Florida, Bacon shares his insights on the vibrant sports culture of the city and the strategic decision to host the men’s and women’s basketball championships in 2026.
Bacon dives into the economic implications of this transition, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships and the potential for Jacksonville to become a hub for collegiate sports.
“We recognized early that we had to get closer to our membership, particularly to access games and coaches,” he said, highlighting the conference’s commitment to its schools.
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He candidly addresses the challenges facing college athletics today, including the seismic shifts brought on by name, image, and likeness regulations.
“Our job is to care about and position our schools for success,” he explained, underscoring the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.
This compelling conversation explores the intersection of sports, community, and economic growth in Jacksonville as Bacon outlines his vision for the future of the Atlantic Sun Conference and its impact on the region.
