The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced the resignation of president, Mark Emmert, with his 12-year tenure coming to an end in June 2023.

Emmert took the job in 2010 and signed a contract extension in April last year, which was set to run until 2025, but has received criticism over his handling of the compensation disputes with student-athletes and gender parity across US college sports.

Last year, the outgoing president also faced a vote of confidence, following scrutiny over the disparity between the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

Commenting on his tenure, Emmert, said: “Throughout my tenure I’ve emphasized the need to focus on the experience and priorities of student-athletes.”

“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 staff here in Indianapolis,” he said.

NCAA board of governors chair, John DeGioia, said: “With the significant transitions underway within college sports, the timing of this decision provides the Association with consistent leadership during the coming months plus the opportunity to consider what will be the future role of the president.”

“It also allows for the selection and recruitment of the next president without disruption,” he said.

In January, the NCAA announced a change in their constitution, with the board of governors reducing to nine from 20, with the reforms aimed to give greater control to student-athletes after regulation changes allowed NIL endorsements.

The announcement comes after the NCAA announced it has brought in a record US$1.5 billion in 2021, while still affected by the pandemic.