Texas AD Chris Del Conte on $40M NIL report for football: “That’s crazy. That’s bananas.” He told the reporter, “You combined a number that was not even accurate.”
In a candid exchange at the SEC spring meetings, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte addressed a recent report suggesting that the University of Texas could be spending up to $40 million annually on football players through a combination of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and revenue-sharing mechanisms. Del Conte vehemently disputed the figure, labeling it as “crazy” and “bananas,” and clarified that the reported amount may represent a two-year total rather than an annual expenditure.
The Houston Chronicle’s report, which Del Conte referred to as “an awesome job,” suggested that Texas could be on the hook for up to $40 million in combined NIL and revenue-sharing payments to its football roster. Del Conte acknowledged that while the figure might be accurate when considered over a two-year period, it does not reflect the current annual expenditure. He emphasized that the number was “not even accurate” as an annual figure.
The discrepancy arises from the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly following the House vs. NCAA settlement, which allows schools to share revenue directly with athletes. Under this new model, Texas plans to allocate approximately $20.5 million annually to its athletes, with the football program receiving a substantial portion. Additionally, the university is increasing its scholarship offerings, which further contributes to the overall financial commitment.
Del Conte has been a vocal figure in the ongoing discussions about NIL and the commercialization of college athletics. While he recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for athletes to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness, he has also expressed concerns about the potential shift in the fundamental values of college sports. He has highlighted that only a small percentage of student-athletes will go on to professional careers, suggesting that the primary focus should remain on education and personal development.
In his communications with donors and boosters, Del Conte has outlined the financial adjustments Texas is making in response to the new revenue-sharing model. These adjustments include the addition of 200 new scholarships across various sports and the implementation of a tiered approach to distributing the $20.5 million annual allocation to athletes.
The financial landscape for Texas Athletics is undergoing significant changes. The projected $30 million increase in costs, as discussed by Del Conte, encompasses both the direct payments to athletes and the expanded scholarship offerings. To manage these increased expenses, Texas is implementing a combination of revenue generation strategies and cost-saving measures. For instance, the university plans to raise football season ticket prices by $13 per game, amounting to an additional $80 over the course of the season.
Del Conte has emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality and competitiveness of all 21 sports programs at Texas. He has committed to fully funding each program to the maximum scholarship limits allowed, ensuring that student-athletes across all sports have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
As college athletics continues to evolve, Del Conte remains focused on navigating the complexities of the new financial landscape while upholding the core values of the University of Texas. He has expressed a commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the resources allocated to student-athletes and has called for continued dialogue among stakeholders to ensure that the changes benefit all parties involved.
The discussions surrounding NIL and revenue sharing are part of a broader conversation about the future of college sports. As institutions like Texas adapt to these changes, the balance between maintaining competitive excellence and preserving the educational mission of collegiate athletics will be a central focus.
