The autonomous conferences are just that, autonomous from NCAA interference on governance issues.

They have absolute control over:

1. Athletic personnel (to support athletes)
2. Insurance and Career Transition
3. Promotional activities unrelated to athletics
4. Recruiting restrictions
5. Pre-Enrollment expenses and support
6. Financial aid
7. Awards, benefit, and expenses
8. Academic support
9. Health and Wellness
10. Meals and nutrition
11. Time demands.

They control CFP and postseason play; with the exception of one G5 berth, the top 20 bowls are exclusively P5 vs P5 affairs.

They gather, annually, for a business meeting in which they decide to implement measures that benefit them. The rest of FBS can adopt the measures but most don’t since they can’t afford them.

In a recent Congressional committee meeting on NIL, they were introduced as an entity, separate from the NCAA. The committee was formed because the autonomous conferences approached Congress to create national NIL legislation.

Money is just incidental.

The 64 schools that comprise the autonomous conferences plus Notre Dane are the driving force behind college athletics. Everyone else is merely flotsam on an ocean of change.