NCAA President Mark Emmert stepping down no later than 2023

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NCAA President Mark Emmert is stepping down after 12 tumultuous years leading an association that has become increasingly marginalized while college sports has undergone massive changes and been besieged by political and legal attacks.

NCAA Board of Governors Chairman John DeGioia announced the move Tuesday and said it was by mutual agreement. The 69-year-old Emmert will continue to serve in his role until a new president is in place or until June 30, 2023.

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The move is not entirely a surprise. The NCAA remains the biggest governing body in college athletics, but it is has been under sharp criticism for years as too heavy-handed and even out of date with Emmert serving as the prime target.

Emmert has guided the NCAA through the most transformative period in the history of the more than 100-year-old organization. During the past decade, athletes have gained more power, benefits and ability to earn money than ever before. Amateurism has been redefined.

NCAA president Mark Emmert speaks at a news conference at the Target Center, site of of the Women's Final Four NCAA tournament Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Minneapoils. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

But Emmert has been viewed by some as not a catalyst for change but as an obstacle standing in the way — or at the least reactive instead of proactive.

"Throughout my tenure I’ve emphasized the need to focus on the experience and priorities of student-athletes," Emmert said in a release from the NCAA. "I am extremely proud of the work of the association over the last 12 years and especially pleased with the hard work and dedication of the national office