Jesse Dougherty

Washington, D.C.

Reporter covering the business of college sports.

Education: Syracuse University, BS in newspaper and online journalism and political science

Jesse Dougherty is a college sports reporter for the Washington Post, focusing on business and NIL. He previously covered the Washington Nationals (2018-23) and high school sports. Before joining the Post in February 2017, he briefly covered the NHL and NBA for the Los Angeles Times. Jesse was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Syracuse University.
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Latest from Jesse Dougherty

NCAA’s landmark deal to pay college athletes on hold after hearing

Judge Claudia Wilken refused to approve the House v. NCAA settlement that would allow schools to pay athletes directly.

September 6, 2024

Meet the most powerful man in college sports

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s ambition and aversion to complacency have helped overhaul the landscape. But to what end?

August 30, 2024
Sankey is an innovator, working to ensure the SEC remains on the cutting edge. (Jeffrey McWhorter/AP)

This basketball coach wants to sell his program for $100 million. Seriously.

As part of a wide-ranging proposal that would be the first of its kind in college athletics, Howard’s Kenny Blakeney is seeking investors for a 33 percent stake in the Bison.

August 2, 2024
Kenny Blakeney has a grand vision for the Howard men’s basketball program. The hard part will be making it a reality. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post)

With NCAA settlement filed, schools move closer to paying athletes

Settlement documents for three major antitrust cases were officially filed in California on Friday, two months after the sides first agreed on an initial framework.

July 26, 2024
NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/AP)

‘EA Sports College Football’ is back. Real college football players love it.

As the popular video game returns in the NIL era, athletes are excited for the chance to finally play as themselves.

July 19, 2024

Overheard at SEC Media Days: Texas, Texas, Texas, Texas

The marriage between two of college sports’ biggest brands has officially begun.

July 18, 2024

Catching up with Nick Saban, television analyst

After retiring from coaching, Saban is embracing his new role in the media and says he has no regrets.

July 17, 2024
Nick Saban is working as a television analyst after retiring from coaching this winter. (Jeffrey McWhorter/AP)

The SEC is up to 16 schools. Its commissioner says that’s enough for now.

Greg Sankey was asked repeatedly at SEC Media Days whether the league would consider further expansion. He wouldn’t bite.

July 15, 2024

The Allstate 12? The Big 12 is exploring a naming rights deal.

The Big 12 is looking for new revenue streams in an attempt to keep up with its rival conferences, and a naming rights deal is one possibility.

June 14, 2024
The Big 12 Conference is exploring the possibility of selling its naming rights to a corporate sponsor. (Rick Bowmer/AP)

Why Capitol Hill remains a key battleground in college sports

After a landmark settlement last month, the NCAA and its conferences continue to lobby Congress for federal legislation.

June 7, 2024