• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

NCAA Returns to Pre-Pandemic Revenue Levels

  • After suffering hundreds of millions in losses due to the pandemic, the NCAA appears to have bounced back.
  • The governing body raked in $1.155 billion in revenue in 2021, audited financial statements show.
NCAA
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY /Design: Alex Brooks

After suffering hundreds of millions of dollars in losses due to the pandemic, the NCAA appears to have bounced back. 

In the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2021, the governing body raked in $1.16 billion in revenue, audited financial statements show. 

That’s upward of $600 million more than the NCAA made in 2020 ($519 million) — and tops 2019 revenue ($1.118 billion).

A second major cash infusion from COVID-19 loss insurance and the return of the Division I men’s basketball tournament — played in a semi-bubble — aided the resuscitation.

  • The NCAA received $915.8 million in television and marketing rights fees.
  • Championship and NIT revenue brought in about $61 million.
  • Insurance for “reduced ticket sales and additional costs for COVID-19 precautions” topped $81 million.

As a result, the governing body was able to provide $613.4 million in distributions to Division I schools, slightly higher than in 2019. In 2020, schools received $246.3 million.

Looking Ahead

The NCAA’s largest revenue stream is its television rights — which it reports will only grow over the next several years.

It expects to receive $870 million from its contract with CBS/Turner this year, maxing out at $1.02 billion in 2026.

There’s also a deal with ESPN for 29 championships — including the Division I women’s basketball tournament — that should generate $43.5 million this year and up to $47 million in the contract’s final year in 2024. 

However, the NCAA gender equity review suggested these media rights could be worth millions more.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

College Football Coach Buyouts Are Not What They Seem

LSU will likely not have to pay Kelly the $53 million he has left on his contract.

LSU Ends Brian Kelly Era, $53M Buyout Negotiations Underway

The Tigers fell to 5–3 after losing to Texas A&M.

Revenue-Sharing Era’s New Powers: Indiana, Georgia Tech, and Vandy

Indiana is the most notable, having ascended to No. 2.

Sarkisian, Kiffin Address Rumors As Coaching Carousel Spins Again

Reports are rampant about the coaches taking new jobs.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell after losing the game to the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
October 23, 2025

CFB’s Chaotic (and Pricey) Coaching Carousel Only Getting Started

Firings have already accounted for roughly $116 million.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
exclusive
October 24, 2025

Diego Pavia Is Trying to Kill NCAA JUCO Eligibility Rules for Good

Vandy’s QB is amending his own lawsuit to encompass all NCAA athletes.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Jun 10, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; A NCAA logo flag at the NCAA Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
October 23, 2025

College Athletes Can Bet on Pro Sports Starting in November

An NBA player and coach were charged Thursday in a sports betting investigation.
Tony Vitello
October 22, 2025

Tony Vitello’s Stunning MLB Jump Comes With $3M Tennessee Buyout

Vitello heads to San Francisco after winning a national championship in 2024.
Texas Tech tortillas
October 22, 2025

Texas Tech Is Attempting a Tortilla Crackdown 

Rebellious students are known to smuggle the tortillas in their underwear.
Tom Izzo
October 22, 2025

Tom Izzo Rips ‘Ridiculous’ NCAA Move Allowing Former G Leaguers

Michigan State didn’t know an eligibility change had been made, he said.