• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 8, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

NCAA Generates $1.1B in Revenue As COVID Rebound Continues

  • Financial statements released this week revealed the NCAA earned slightly less than it did last year.
  • But it still raked in $940 million from television contracts and marketing/licensing fees.
NCAA-March-Madness
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NCAA raked in $1.14 billion in revenue in 2021-22, according to audited financial statements released this week. 

That’s just slightly less than the governing body earned in 2020-21 after bouncing back from a major pandemic shortfall.

However, Division I schools still received a larger share of revenue than they did in 2021 — the NCAA distributed $657 million to D-I programs, compared to $613.4 million the year prior.

The largest share came from television and licensing contracts totaling $940 million

  • The NCAA’s contract with CBS and Turner for the Division I men’s basketball tournament contributed $870 million. 
  • For the rest of the contract, which runs until 2032, the NCAA estimates it will earn $10.5 billion.
  • The NCAA’s contract with ESPN, which broadcasts 29 championships — including the vastly undervalued women’s basketball tournament — netted $43.5 million.

Despite not suffering any major COVID-19-related cancellations, the governing body also received $17 million in loss-of-value insurance.

(NCAA-Basketball)

NCAA to Distribute $625M to D-I Conferences, Schools

This year, the NCAA will pay out more than it ever has…
March 13, 2022

Future Outlook

The NCAA faces a major expense over the next few years: defending amateurism in court and in Congress with legal fees and lobbying expenses.

But it could also earn major growth in revenue when it renegotiates its ESPN television contract, which is up in 2024. The governing body could earn $112 million annually from women’s basketball alone — more than the entire 29-sport contract. 

It could also earn more by creating a new sponsorship tier for the sport.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CFP’s 12-Team Debut: How NIL, Realignment Shape the Bracket

Miami is ranked No. 4 as aggressive NIL spending has no doubt helped the Hurricanes to their 9–0 start.
Surrounded by family members and supporters, Donald Trump makes his acceptance speech at his Election Night Watch Party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center after being elected the 47th President of the United States November 5, 2024.

Republicans Won Big in the 2024 Election. So Did the NCAA

“It’s a bad day to be a college athlete,” one staffer says.

McIlroy: Trump Could Help PGA Tour–LIV Golf Deal Discussions

The star golfer said Tuesday’s election results may benefit the fractured sport.
Sep 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan addresses the gallery gathered on the 18th green after the final round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament.

Not So Fast: PGA Tour–LIV Merger Not Done Yet

Multiple industry sources say reports of professional golf’s unification are premature.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Joey Logano Talks NASCAR vs. F1, Pursuing Third Championship

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
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.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Florida football coach Billy Napier

Florida Gives Billy Napier Vote of Confidence With Huge Buyout Looming

Napier’s $26 million buyout would be second largest in college football history.
November 4, 2024

New Era, New Chaos? New CFP Team Rankings Explained

The new College Football Playoff system’s complexities might confuse some college football fans.
Mar 24, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Cotie McMahon (32) walks to the bench during the first half of the women’s NCAA Tournament second round against the Duke Blue Devils at Value City Arena.
November 5, 2024

Due to Rule Change, NCAA Sports Will Be in Action on Election..

On Nov. 5 this year, NCAA sports will not go dark.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
November 4, 2024

All Eyes on Cooper Flagg As College Basketball Tips Off

He makes his NCAA debut with Duke on Monday.
Apr 1, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) drives to the basket during the second half against UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the finals of the Portland Regional of the NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center.
November 4, 2024

Women’s College Basketball Begins Its Star-Studded Post–Caitlin Clark Era

Women outdrew the men in the championship with 18.9 million viewers.
Donald Trump
November 4, 2024

ESPN Will Drop First 12-Team CFP Rankings in Heart of Election Night

The network traditionally hasn’t shied away from going up against election coverage.
Eastern New Mexico forward Jose Murillo (33) passes the ball between Grand Canyon University forward Sammie Yeanay (23) and guard Makaih Williams (2) during an exhibition game at Global Credit Union Arena in Phoenix on Oct. 29, 2024.
November 1, 2024

Grand Canyon University to Join Mountain West in 2026

The Mountain West has added three new schools after the Pac-12 poached five from the conference.