I have watched three big college football games today. One was Virginia Tech vs Miami. As a Virginia taxpayer, I want to know if my taxes are paying for this high level football at public universities. I am wondering if maybe the big, successful schools make money on football, but what about the small schools that do not attract as many spectators and probably not many TV contracts or payments. Also, do the big superpower football and basketball colleges share the wealth with other schools? In summary, are the taxpayers paying for all this entertainment?
2007-11-17 13:32:44 · 5 answers · asked by agreeableone 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
At most schools, football and basketball at least break-even if not make enough to pay for the entire athletic program plus a little.
That said, the program makes money for the college because it isn't entertainment, it's advertising. It's very serious advertising without looking like a commercial.
High profile athletics brings students (other than athletes) to the school that you wouldn't otherwise be reaching. Maybe that's not a good reason to pick a school, but it's reality. It gets the name of the school in the news even if you don't win. It's advertising.
2007-11-17 15:08:02 · answer #1 · answered by CoachT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
athletics are paid for through student fees and endowments/alumni donations. Taxes don't pay for athletics. Schools do make a lot of money and as far as i know the profits are not shared with other schools.
Many small schools football programs can make alot of money to go and play large national powerhouse teams.
Think Michigan-Appalachian. Yes Michigan paid App to play them
2007-11-18 00:37:23 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Columbus, home of the Ohio State University. From what I've read in the Columbus Dispatch is that the two high-profile sports (football and basketball) are self-sufficient.
In fact, the money those big-time sports bring in funds the other sports. Now, that could be a bunch of malarkey as......well, I read it in the Columbus Dispatch.
2007-11-17 21:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by Antioch 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I go to a small D 1 school and i know that we still make money off our sports teams. I am not sure how much though. I think that taxpayers and tuition payers alike are footing the bill.
2007-11-17 21:41:43 · answer #4 · answered by Minerva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just had a flashback to my semester tuition bill. I think I'm paying for the entertainment; though right now I'm wishing it were taxpayers (sorry!)
2007-11-17 21:38:22 · answer #5 · answered by macho_bob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋