SP Athletics Strengthens Leadership Team with Addition of Elizabeth “Beth” DeBauche

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.  – January 14, 2026 – SP Athletics announced the addition of Elizabeth “Beth” DeBauche, a nationally respected intercollegiate athletics leader with more than three decades of experience spanning conference, institutional, and NCAA governance, as an Athletic Development Director and Advisor.

DeBauche most recently served as Commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) from 2009 to 2025, where she led transformative growth initiatives for the Division I conference. During her tenure, she negotiated the three largest media rights agreements in league history, including the OVC’s transition to ESPN+, expanded conference membership, modernized governance and corporate structure, and elevated the league’s national visibility and competitive success.

A proven advocate for student-athlete development, DeBauche championed leadership programming, enhanced the student-athlete voice in governance, and prioritized well-being initiatives, while OVC student-athletes achieved record academic and postseason success.

In addition to her conference leadership, DeBauche served from 2022–2024 as a voting member of the NCAA Board of Governors, including as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and the Investment Subcommittee, providing fiduciary oversight of the NCAA’s budget and investment strategy. She also previously served as President of the Collegiate Commissioners Association and held numerous leadership roles across NCAA governance.

“Beth is one of the most accomplished and trusted leaders in college athletics,” said Tom Jacobs, Co-Founder and Partner at SP Athletics. “Her experience guiding conferences through periods of change, combined with her deep understanding of governance, media strategy, and institutional priorities, makes her an exceptional addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome Beth and know her insight will be invaluable to the clients and partners we serve.”

A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, DeBauche holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College, a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a juris doctor from Notre Dame Law School. She remains active in national and regional leadership, including service with the Nashville Sports Council and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.