• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 18, 2025

Big Ten-Bound Washington Ascends To Elite Status Despite Financial Challenges

  • CFP title game berth marks a broad-based rise for Washington’s football program.
  • Challenges remain surrounding athletic department losses, revenue disparities.
Austin American-Statesman

Long existing outside of the bluebloods of college football, Washington is now leveling up to the elite of the sport.

The Huskies, of course, are playing in Monday’s College Football Playoff title game against Michigan, and have enjoyed plenty of success over the years, including three conference titles in the last eight seasons and a shared national championship in 1991. Twenty-three of their former players are now on NFL rosters. But the program has historically existed far outside of the limelight enjoyed by traditional powers, including their CFP championship opponent. 

All that, however, is changing. Among the other recent signs of rising prominence:

  • A forthcoming move to the Big Ten, where Washington will be conference foes with the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, and former Pac-12 rivals UCLA and USC.
  • A sellout of Washington’s 20,000-ticket allotment for the CFP championship game in Houston, less than 24 hours after the team’s Jan. 1 seminal win over Texas. The sellout was a marked turnaround from a more protracted sales pace for that Longhorns game, which typified the difficulties for many Washington fans in traveling from Seattle.
  • Heightened merchandise sales now involving buyers from all 50 states, signifying the Huskies’ growing national presence.
  • Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. having one of the largest profiles for name, image, and likeness rights, with a valuation of $1.3 million.
  • Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer winning AP Coach of the Year, marking the first Washington coach to receive the honor.

Significant challenges remain, however, as the Washington athletics department  posted a $5.8 million loss for its fiscal 2023, a figure expected to grow to $7.8 million for the current year. That figure, amplified somewhat by severance payments to former Washington football coach Jimmy Lake, helped prompt the school’s departure from the Pac-12. Washington also remains below the Big Ten’s elite in numerous metrics, such as ticket sales and donations, and the school is entering its new conference with a half-share of annual media rights. UW won’t earn full shares until 2030.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Stars Say Zero Progress Made at CBA Meeting

The WNBA and its union had their first in-person meeting Thursday.
exclusive

Bill Belichick UNC Series Heading to Hulu After ‘Hard Knocks’ Breakdown

The series lands at Hulu after a deal with HBO fell through.
Lloyd Howell

Scandal-Ridden NFLPA Chief Lloyd Howell Quits

The union executive director stepped down late Thursday night.

Featured Today

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
(NCL_OSU_11_SUGAR_LAURON 04JAN11) Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) slips around the Arkansas Razorbacks defense during first half of the Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, January 4, 2011.

Terrelle Pryor’s Case for NIL Backpay Dismissed in Court

Pryor played seven years in the NFL after leaving OSU amid a scandal.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
July 16, 2025

President Trump Is Actively Working on an NIL-Related Executive Order

It’s unclear what the executive order would include.
Mar 21, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway walks off the court after losing to Colorado State Rams at Climate Pledge Arena.
July 17, 2025

Memphis Basketball and Softball Placed on NCAA Probation

Memphis has had multiple NCAA issues since hiring Penny Hardaway.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 16, 2025

Alabama’s New Era Contends With NIL—and Nick Saban Rumors

Kalen DeBoer is entering his second season as head coach.
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian waits to lead his team out of the tunnel ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Baylor Bears, Saturday, Sept. 23 at McLane Stadium in Waco.
July 15, 2025

Is a Texas Takeover About to Hit the SEC, On and Off..

The Longhorns are favored to win the SEC in their second year in the conference.
Georgia takes the field for the first half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
July 15, 2025

SEC Lands Starring Role in Netflix College Football Docuseries

Netflix brings its sports storytelling to the heart of SEC football.