Categories: College University Athletics

University of Central Florida Reports Revenue Jump in Big 12

UCF fans displaying enthusiasm during a football game in the Big 12 Conference.

News Summary

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has announced a revenue of approximately $21 million from its first season in the Big 12 Conference, representing a significant financial rise compared to its previous earnings in the American Athletic Conference. As part of the overall Big 12 revenue of $493.82 million, UCF’s performance illustrates the financial benefits of joining the new conference. Newly introduced members are projected to transition to full revenue shares by the 2025-26 fiscal year, enhancing the university’s financial prospects and competitive visibility in collegiate athletics.

Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida (UCF) has reported a revenue of approximately $21 million from its inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference, marking a significant financial milestone for the university as it adapts to its new conference affiliation. This revenue marks a substantial increase from the $9.53 million UCF received while part of the American Athletic Conference.

The Big 12 Conference announced a total revenue of $493.82 million for the fiscal year 2023-24, which is a decrease from $510.71 million reported the previous year. This season was notable not only for UCF but also for other new members such as BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston, all embarking on their first season within the Big 12.

During this competitive season, nine teams from the Big 12 achieved bowl eligibility, amplifying the conference’s overall visibility and financial allocation. Texas highlighted the conference’s performance by advancing to the College Football Playoff. The distribution of revenue among the Big 12’s 14 member institutions saw Texas receiving the largest share at $42.05 million, followed closely by Oklahoma at $40.72 million and Kansas at $40.03 million. UCF’s share of $20.80 million was the highest among the four newly added institutions, benefiting from its participation in a bowl game.

Newly introduced members like UCF, BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston currently receive a half-share of revenue, which is expected to transition to full shares beginning fiscal year 2025-26. This arrangement is designed to facilitate a smoother integration for the new teams into the conference’s revenue-sharing model.

The breakdown of the Big 12’s total revenue is extensive, including $294.74 million from television contracts, $110.7 million generated through bowl games, $52.2 million from NCAA royalties, $19.6 million from ticket sales, and $1.9 million from various other sources. This diversified revenue stream highlights the financial intricacies of college athletics and the importance of television deals in funding programs.

On the expense side, the Big 12 reported outlays totaling $530.72 million, primarily due to conference distributions to member schools. Other significant expenses included $6.48 million for officer and director compensation, along with $5.55 million earmarked for staff salaries. With regard to the executive team, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is reported to have an annual salary of $4.4 million, placing him among the highest compensated commissioners in college sports.

This fiscal year serves as a transitional phase for the Big 12, especially as it prepares for the upcoming departure of traditional powers Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference in 2024. The future landscape of the conference is expected to change further with the addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah in the next fiscal report.

Overall, UCF’s transition to the Big 12 embodies a significant change in both competitive play and financial structure, with the university poised to benefit from increased visibility and revenue opportunities in the nation’s college sports landscape.