College sports bring in enormous sums, and the biggest programs sign major television deals. So how much of that money actually reaches athletic departments?

Answer: Over $13.1 billion

Division I college athletics programs generated $13.1 billion in revenue, yet those same programs spent $20.8 billion.

Questions:

• How do the student-athletes impact the amount of money that a program can bring in?
• 94% of athletic programs spend more than they generate. Is that spending justified?
• Sportsbooks profit from college games. Should athletic departments get a cut of that money?

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Behind the Numbers: (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

GAO reported that 94 percent of athletics programs, including 49 of the 69 Power colleges, spent more than they generated in revenue. The median college reported a gap of $20.6 million, and colleges contributed a total of $7.2 billion to cover the difference.

About the Author

Yonathan Tadesse

Yonathan is a Dallas-based Curriculum Designer at NGPF with 12 years of experience as a high school math, college transition, and financial literacy teacher. An award-winning educator, he has a track record of launching innovative programs at the high school level that expand access and opportunity for students. He is a graduate of Emory University and is passionate about advancing financial education for all students. Outside of work, Yonathan loves spending time with his wife and two kids, working out, playing chess and poker, and learning new things.