BigTen, SEC ahead of Big12 in money game
A total of 35 universities recorded a profit of at least $1 million by their respective athletic departments in the last fiscal year, according to a recent report by Business of College Sports. Alabama took the top prize with a profit of nearly $31.7 million, with Penn State not far behind with a $31.6 million profit.
Texas, as you might have already suspected, was the leader when it came to Big 12 schools. The Longhorns, always strong when it comes to money, added the Longhorn Network and saw a Big 12-leading profit of $24.3 million, fourth highest in the nation (Michigan is third with roughly $26.6 million). Kansas State ‘s $23.4 million was next in line among all universities, not just the Big 12. Oklahoma State was ninth in the nation (third among Big 12 members) in the profit rankings with $14.36 million to show.
But just because schools are showing big profits, does not necessarily mean they are not big spenders. Texas spent more money on athletics last year than any school in the country, with over $125 million spent. The Longhorns also showed the nation’s largest revenue, with $150 million. Ohio State was second in the nation, with $113 million spent and $131.8 in revenue. Oklahoma spent over $96 million and Texas A&M spent $71.7 million.
Thirteen SEC schools (and we’re including Texas A&M and Missouri now) recorded a profit, with Ole Miss being the lone exception. Perhaps this is why Ole Miss hired a new athletics director this week? In the Big Ten two programs failed to record a profit (Minnesota and Northwestern. The Big 12 and ACC each had eight programs net a profit, while the Pac 12 had seven programs in the black. Among BCS AQ conferences only the Big East managed to see less than half of the conference’s football membership net a profit. For what it is worth, West Virginia was not one of the profitable Big East programs reported (UConn, Louisville, Notre Dame, Syracuse).
Which brings up the question once more. If the Big 12 is going to expand and return to twelve members, what would serve as the best candidates? You would think that money-making athletic programs would be the best option. Louisville and Notre Dame were the bread winners in the Big East (yes, we know Notre Dame is a football independent), and certainly those have been two schools often linked to potential Big 12 expansion.
TV markets matter, but money talks.
On the Show Today
We continue to take a look around the nation as spring football opens up. Today we talk to Hamilton Riley, Editor In Chief of Lambeth Field, to discuss the Virginia Cavaliers and where they fit in to the ACC picture. We are also joined by one of the nation’s top Class of 2013 recruits, tight end Adam Breneman. Breneman discusses his decision to attend Penn State and what the process was like for him.
No 2-Minute Warning can be heard on the Big Time Network, in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas on Pioneer Digital TV, channels 150 and 152, every Friday at 5 p.m. Central. Be sure to check your local listings for channel availability.
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