The Retirees Association was honored to welcome University of Minnesota General Counsel Doug Peterson as the guest speaker for our March 2026 Forum. It was the first time a University general counsel had spoken at an UMRA forum, and it was worth the wait. Peterson was articulate, charming and substantive. He showed a wonderful appreciation for the values and purpose of the University in an engaging presentation.

Peterson spoke about research, intercollegiate athletics, and, briefly, about the negotiations concerning the future relationship of the University and Fairview Health Services. 

He started with a set of slides (see attached) that outlined research expenditures and funding at the University. They show that the University expended $1.4 billion on research in 2024, ranking 12th among public research universities in the country in research expenditures. This emphasizes how committed the University is to research and the advancement of knowledge. It is an important University purpose and value. 

Peterson also presented charts on research awards for 2025, which show an increase in awarded research rather than a decline as many had expected. He said the University continues to value research and conducts it in accordance with its past practices. 

Purpose and value

He acknowledged that there is considerable controversy and litigation about the federal allocation of research funds. The University has been a party to some of those efforts, and in some cases the beneficiary, even though not directly involved. The point was that research is the purpose of much of the University and the value we bring to the state and nation.

Peterson then spent a considerable part of his time speaking about athletics and the effect of paying players for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This is the result of several lawsuits challenging the current system as a violation of antitrust statutes that resulted in a settlement involving colleges and universities (House v. NCAA case). Peterson thought this was an evolution that begins to mimic the arrangements in professional sports, particularly NBA basketball. The House settlement reflects about 22% of athletic media, ticketing and advertising revenue, which he compared to the NBA in which around 50% of revenue is paid to the players. (The 22% excludes tuition, housing, and other educational benefits provided to student athletes.) 

He emphasized that the NIL payments and their effects are still evolving and would likely change in the future. 

Audience questions touched on whether the House agreement—which is a class action settlement—itself violates antitrust law and Title 9, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities (including sports) receiving federal funding. Peterson commented on the considerations in play as to those and other issues, and the prospect of a change in federal law (for example, an antitrust exception which exists for other sports) and changes in the governance mechanism for enforcing the requirements of the House settlement.  

Finally, he talked about the importance of academic medicine to the state, particularly for spreading the benefits of University know-how beyond the Twin Cities area. As for questions over the possible agreement involving the University and Fairview Health Services, Peterson demurred out of respect for the parties, and because the final agreement is still being developed through mediation and he is constrained by confidentiality concerns. However, he did indicate he was hopeful because all parties have substantial investment in the outcome and agree about the need for, and importance of, medical research and education.

Peterson displayed his knowledge and observations in a modest and humble manner interlaced with stories from his years of practice in Minnesota. He was a big hit with our members.

—Bill Donohue, UMRA Program Committee