While several college athletics departments across the country report massive budget deficits, some topping $400 million, Ohio State University’s athletics budget tells a different story. The Buckeyes set a record high revenue total for FY25.
According to OSU News, the department of athletics reported $336,077,887 in revenue for fiscal year 2025. The previous record-high revenue was only $279 million.
Ohio State reported roughly $320 million in expenses across all sports, leaving the Buckeyes with nearly $16 million in surplus funds.
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“As the collegiate athletics model continues to evolve, successfully navigating the financial landscape is a must and I am proud of everyone within our program who made last year a success,” athletics director Ross Bjork said. “While there will be continued challenges to our economic model, we will strive to be best in class by continuing to innovate and stay aggressive in generating new revenue streams while also managing our expenses as soundly as possible. We are grateful for every Buckeye fan, donor, season ticket holder, and all students who support our program in numerous ways.”
Ticket sales were the top contributor towards Ohio State’s $336 million revenue stream, with over $81 million generated from home game ticket sales. Other large pieces of the pie included donor-funded contributions ($68 million) and media rights ($64 million).
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According to SwimSwam, football accounted for 81% of the sport-specific revenue, generating $160.6 million. Other top revenue earners were men’s basketball, women’s basketball and wrestling. Football and men’s basketball were the only two sports that operated in a surplus, spending less than the revenue they generated, with football spending $92.4 million and men’s basketball spending $14.6 million.
Every other varsity sports team sponsored by Ohio State operated in a deficit.
