NEW: Texas athletics spent $325M during the 2023-24 fiscal year, the highest operating expense in the history of college athletics

Texas Athletics Sets Record with $325M in Spending for 2023-24

The University of Texas has once again made history, but this time, it’s off the field. Texas Athletics spent a staggering $325 million during the 2023-24 fiscal year, setting a new record for the highest operating expenses in college athletics. This massive figure underscores Texas’ financial dominance in the collegiate sports landscape, reflecting both its ambitions and the rising costs of maintaining an elite athletic program.

The Breakdown of Texas’ Spending

While the full details of the budget allocation have yet to be fully disclosed, several key areas likely contributed to this historic expenditure:

1. Coaching Salaries and Staff Compensation
   Texas boasts some of the highest-paid coaches in college sports. Football head coach Steve Sarkisian signed a lucrative contract extension following the Longhorns’ success in the College Football Playoff, with his salary alone contributing significantly to the expenses. Other high-profile coaches in basketball, baseball, and Olympic sports also demand competitive compensation to keep Texas among the best programs in the nation.
2. Facilities and Infrastructure Upgrades
   Texas has consistently invested in state-of-the-art athletic facilities. The new South End Zone at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, continued renovations to the Moody Center, and upgrades to training and recovery facilities all require significant funding. Keeping facilities on par with—or exceeding—those of SEC rivals is crucial as Texas transitions fully into the Southeastern Conference in 2024-25.
3. Recruiting and NIL Investment
   As one of the most aggressive programs in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era, Texas has prioritized player compensation through donor-driven collectives. While NIL funds operate independently from university budgets, Texas Athletics still invests heavily in recruitment operations, travel, and resources to attract top-tier talent across all sports.
4. Travel and Competition Costs
   With teams competing nationally and internationally, travel expenses have surged. Football, basketball, baseball, and other sports regularly charter flights, stay in premium accommodations, and invest in top-tier logistical support for their athletes. The move to the SEC will further increase travel expenses with frequent trips to places like Florida, Alabama, and South Carolin Game Day Operations and Fan Experience
   Texas football home games draw over 100,000 fans, and ensuring an elite game-day experience requires substantial financial commitment. Enhancements in security, digital fan engagement, and premium seating options have all contributed to the rising
5. costs of game operations.

Implications for Texas and College Athletics

This record-breaking spending cements Texas’ status as the most financially dominant program in college sports. With the move to the SEC, these investments are expected to pay off in increased revenue from TV contracts, ticket sales, and merchandising.

However, the spending also raises questions about sustainability. As the arms race in college athletics intensifies, other schools will feel pressure to keep up, potentially leading to even higher expenditures across the Power Five conferences.

One thing is clear—Texas is making a statement. With $325 million spent in a single year, the Longhorns are signaling their intent to compete at the highest level, both financially and athletically, as they enter a new era in the SEC.