Boise State University’s athletics department is facing a budget deficit that could rise to $18 million this fiscal year. The deficit is attributed to two main factors: revenue sharing and the costs associated with the university’s move to the Pac-12 Conference.
Revenue Sharing
College athletes are now eligible for direct payments from universities, known as revenue sharing, in addition to sponsorship deals. Boise State paid athletes $10 million last fiscal year and expects to increase payments this year.
According to Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey, the university will not reach the revenue-sharing cap established by House v. NCAA, which allows universities to pay athletes up to $21.3 million this year.
Pac-12 Move
The university’s move to the Pac-12 Conference has also increased operating expenses by about $7.6 million between FY 2025 and FY 2026. The Mountain West Conference sued the five schools that joined the Pac-12, including Boise State, seeking $55 million in exit fees.
The parties settled this month for an undisclosed amount, with the San Diego Union-Tribune reporting that the total settlement was around $70 million.
Boise State officials say they are leaning on special events and continued donor support to boost athletics revenue. The university recently announced that country artist Luke Combs will perform at Albertsons Stadium in 2027.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
