College sport is not just a staple of American culture, it’s also a multi-billion dollar industry!
Some of the country’s biggest universities, such as the University of Texas at Austin, generate revenue of around $182 million per year from sports alone. The vast majority of this revenue comes from American Football. ‘Gridiron‘ attracts huge crowds (circa 96,000 seater stadium) and millions that watch games live on television every week.
The majority of the money that College athletic departments bring in is reinvested into the university. Much of it goes towards funding scholarships for athletes in other sports, such as Soccer, Swimming, Track & Field, Golf and Tennis!
Apparel and equipment deals account for another key source of income for these Colleges. Major brands such as Nike, Adidas and Under Armour pay larger sums to kit out College athletic teams. Let’s take a look below at the 10 most lucrative sponsorship deals in College sports, counting down from #10 to #1!
10. Auburn University
Auburn University Tigers
Apparel Company: Under Armour
Sponsorship Agreement: $5.86 million per year (2016 – 2025)
9. University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin Badger
Apparel Company: Under Armour
Sponsorship Agreement: $6.8 million per year (2016 – 2026)
8. Ohio State University
The Ohio State Buckeyes
Apparel Company: Nike
Sponsorship Agreement $6.85 million per year (2018 – 2033)
7. University of Nebraska
University of Nebraska Huskers
Apparel Company: Adidas
Sponsorship Agreement: $7.52 million per year (2017 – 2028)
6. University of Washington
University of Washington Huskies
Apparel Company: Adidas
Sponsorship Agreement: $7.57 million per year (2019 – 2029)
5. University of Michigan
University of Michigan Wolverines
Apparel Company: Nike (Jordan)
Sponsorship Agreement: $7.79 million per year (2016 – 2031)
4. University of Kansas
University of Kansas Jayhawks
Apparel Company: Adidas
Agreement: $8.8 million per year (2017 – 2031)
3. University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas Longhorns
Apparel Company: Nike
Sponsorship Agreement: $9.76 million per year (2017 – 2031)
2. University of Louisville
University of Louisville Cardinals
Apparel Company: Adidas
Sponsorship Agreement: $10.66 million per year (2018 – 2028)
1. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA Bruins
Apparel Company: Under Armour
Sponsorship Agreement: $12.76 million per year (2017 – 2032)
