Private Equity Eyes Lucrative Opportunities in College Athletics
As college sports programs generate billions in revenue, private investors are exploring stakes in athletic departments to drive profitability and growth.
- Ohio State leads CNBC's valuation rankings of college athletic programs at $1.32 billion, followed by Texas and Texas A&M, reflecting the dominance of SEC and Big Ten schools.
- Private equity firms are increasingly interested in investing in college sports, with football accounting for approximately 75% of revenue at Power 4 schools.
- The SEC and Big Ten conferences benefit from massive media rights deals, with the SEC projected to surpass the Big Ten in future television revenue agreements.
- Smaller programs in the ACC, Big 12, and lower-tier SEC and Big Ten schools may turn to private equity to remain competitive in the evolving college sports landscape.
- Experts suggest private investment could enhance revenue and operational efficiency, but the move faces logistical and regulatory hurdles before becoming widespread.
The Kansas City Star 
CNBC 
