This is the revenue generated by LSU football and other sports in the fiscal year 2024.

In the world of college athletics, football stands as a primary driver of revenue for most universities, and Louisiana State University (LSU) is no exception. LSU’s football program, one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), continues to be a powerhouse both on the field and financially. As college sports have evolved into multi-billion-dollar industries, LSU has maintained a significant presence in the revenue-generating sector, with football accounting for the lion’s share of the athletic department’s earnings.

In the fiscal year 2024, LSU’s athletic revenue is expected to break records, propelled by football, while other sports also contribute to the overall financial picture. This article explores the financial impact of LSU’s sports programs in FY 2024, with a particular focus on football’s revenue streams, and breaks down the performance of other key sports programs.

Football: The Heart of LSU’s Athletic Revenue

LSU football, with its storied history, is the main financial engine driving the revenue of the entire athletic department. Football’s success on the field and its loyal fan base translate directly into impressive revenue figures for the program.

Ticket Sales and Game Day Revenue

Football ticket sales are one of the largest contributors to LSU’s athletic revenue. Tiger Stadium, also known as “Death Valley,” is one of the most iconic college football venues, seating over 102,000 fans. LSU football consistently ranks among the top schools in terms of attendance, often filling the stadium to near capacity.

In FY 2024, LSU is expected to generate over $50 million in ticket sales. This includes revenue from season tickets, individual game tickets, luxury suites, and premium seating options. With LSU hosting high-profile SEC games and attracting fans from across the region, game day revenue also includes spending on concessions, parking, and merchandise, further boosting the financial haul.

In addition to game day revenue, LSU football is benefiting from the increasing popularity of premium seating options. With the rise of luxury suites, club seating, and high-end amenities, these premium sections continue to generate significant revenue streams for the program. The 2024 season will likely see the Tigers bring in upwards of $15 million from these premium areas alone.

Broadcast Rights and Media Deals

LSU football is a major player in the world of college football broadcasting. The SEC’s media rights deal, which LSU is a part of, is one of the most lucrative in college sports. The SEC Network, along with deals with national networks like CBS, ESPN, and ABC, ensures that LSU games are widely broadcast, reaching millions of viewers across the country.

For the 2024 fiscal year, LSU is expected to generate over $40 million in revenue from media rights and broadcasting deals. This includes both national TV deals and revenue from regional broadcasts. The Tigers’ regular appearances on national television, as well as their consistent success in the SEC and College Football Playoff picture, make them a highly attractive team for broadcasters.

Sponsorships and Advertising

Another significant revenue stream for LSU football comes from corporate sponsorships and advertising. As college football grows in its financial power, major brands and companies continue to seek high-profile partnerships with top-tier programs like LSU. Sponsorships include everything from naming rights for stadiums and events to in-game promotions and partnerships with companies in sectors such as sports apparel, soft drinks, insurance, and financial services.

In FY 2024, LSU football is projected to generate over $20 million in sponsorships and advertising revenue. This is bolstered by long-term partnerships with national brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, and State Farm, as well as localized agreements with businesses in Baton Rouge and Louisiana. These sponsorships not only provide financial support but also elevate the prestige of the program.

Other LSU Sports: Significant Contributions to Revenue

While football is the dominant driver of revenue for LSU’s athletic department, other sports also contribute to the financial success of the university. LSU has a wide range of successful sports programs, particularly in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and track and field.

Men’s Basketball

LSU men’s basketball has seen a resurgence in recent years under head coach Matt McMahon. The program has consistently made appearances in the NCAA Tournament, and with the growing success of the team, the financial impact is becoming more pronounced.

In FY 2024, LSU basketball is projected to generate approximately $10 million in revenue. This includes income from ticket sales, television deals, and sponsorships. Pete Maravich Assembly Center, LSU’s basketball arena, is known for its passionate fanbase, and ticket sales have steadily risen with the team’s improved performance. Additionally, television exposure and sponsorships tied to the program are expected to boost revenue figures in the 2024 fiscal year.

Baseball

LSU baseball has long been a national powerhouse in college baseball, consistently competing for SEC titles and NCAA championships. Alex Box Stadium, one of the premier baseball facilities in the country, is packed with fans each season as LSU looks to contend for national championships. The combination of ticket sales, regional and national TV rights, sponsorships, and donations all contribute to baseball’s revenue, which has steadily grown over the past decade.

For FY 2024, LSU baseball is projected to generate approximately $12 million in revenue, a figure driven by both ticket sales and media rights. The team’s strong fan engagement and large following in the region make it one of the top college baseball programs in terms of revenue. Corporate partnerships with brands like Pepsi, Under Armour, and local sponsors have also contributed to LSU baseball’s financial success.

Track and Field

LSU is also a powerhouse in track and field, with both the men’s and women’s programs regularly competing for national titles. Earl K. Long Field House and the newly renovated Bernie Moore Track Stadium provide LSU with premier facilities that attract top-tier athletes from around the country.

While track and field generates less revenue than LSU’s big-ticket sports like football and basketball, it still contributes significantly to the athletic department’s bottom line. In FY 2024, LSU track and field is expected to generate approximately $5 million in revenue. This figure includes sponsorships, ticket sales from home meets, and performance bonuses linked to NCAA championships and SEC titles.

Women’s Basketball and Other Olympic Sports

The LSU women’s basketball program, led by the legendary Kim Mulkey, has seen an explosive rise in popularity since Mulkey’s arrival in Baton Rouge. The women’s basketball team has become a national contender, drawing large crowds to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center and benefiting from increased media attention. The team’s success is likely to continue driving revenue, with projections for FY 2024 indicating a figure approaching $8 million in revenue.

Meanwhile, LSU’s other Olympic sports—such as gymnastics, swimming, and soccer—continue to generate smaller but still notable amounts of revenue. These programs are important to LSU’s overall athletic ecosystem, helping to foster school spirit and alumni engagement. In FY 2024, these sports are projected to generate $10 million in total, driven primarily by ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations.

Revenue Distribution and Financial Strategy

LSU’s athletic department operates as a self-sustaining entity, meaning the revenue generated by sports programs directly funds the operations, facilities, and scholarships for athletes. The football program, as the primary revenue driver, helps subsidize other sports, ensuring that LSU can maintain competitive teams across a wide range of athletic disciplines.

Revenue distribution for LSU’s athletic department in FY 2024 follows a fairly standard model:

• Football: The overwhelming majority of the revenue is generated by football, accounting for approximately 60% of the total athletic revenue.
• Basketball: Men’s and women’s basketball, combined, contribute about 15% of the total revenue.
• Baseball and Other Sports: These programs together contribute about 25%, with baseball, track and field, and women’s basketball being the largest contributors among the non-football programs.

The funding from these programs is reinvested into facilities, coaching salaries, athlete scholarships, and other operational expenses. In recent years, LSU has continued to improve its facilities, with major upgrades to Tiger Stadium, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and Alex Box Stadium.

Moreover, LSU has embraced new revenue sources, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. These deals allow LSU athletes to capitalize on their personal brand, bringing in additional financial support for both the university and the individual players. NIL revenue is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the financial landscape of college sports.