In the fiscal year 2024, how much did Alabama football make and spend? What was the performance of other Crimson Tide teams?

The financial aspects of collegiate athletics, particularly at powerhouses like the University of Alabama, provide a unique lens through which to view the success and challenges facing major programs. As a dominant force in college football, Alabama’s football program generates revenue on an extraordinary scale, and the financial report for the 2024 fiscal year highlights the significant impact the sport has on the broader athletic department and university. Additionally, the performance of other Alabama Crimson Tide teams during this period also offers insight into the overall health of Alabama Athletics, underscoring the university’s broad commitment to success across multiple sports.

In this article, we will explore the financial performance of Alabama football during FY 2024, including its revenue and expenditures, and examine the success and challenges faced by other Crimson Tide teams. Through these numbers and achievements, we can gain a better understanding of the financial engine that drives Alabama athletics, as well as the program’s overall standing within collegiate sports.

Financial Performance of Alabama Football in FY 2024

Alabama football is widely recognized as one of the most profitable programs in college sports. The revenue generated by Alabama’s football program, which encompasses ticket sales, broadcast rights, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and more, has long been a central driver of the university’s athletic revenue. The 2024 fiscal year saw continued financial success for the program, though it faced some challenges due to shifts in college athletics and the economic realities of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) regulations and other financial considerations.

1. Revenue Breakdown for Alabama Football

According to official data from the University of Alabama’s athletics department, the football program generated an estimated $160 million in total revenue during FY 2024. This figure includes various revenue streams that are essential for sustaining the program and funding other athletic endeavors across the university.

• Ticket Sales: One of the most significant sources of revenue for Alabama football is ticket sales, including season tickets, individual game tickets, and premium seating options. In FY 2024, ticket sales brought in an estimated $50 million. Alabama’s home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which regularly sell out, remain a significant contributor to this figure.
• Broadcast and Media Rights: Broadcast revenue, including contracts with networks like ESPN and the SEC Network, remains another substantial source of income for Alabama football. For FY 2024, broadcast and media rights generated approximately $65 million. This revenue continues to increase with the ever-growing media landscape and the popularity of college football as a television product.
• Sponsorship and Advertising: Sponsorships and advertising revenue, including deals with major national and regional brands, contributed about $30 million in FY 2024. Alabama’s association with brands like Nike, Regions Bank, and Coca-Cola, along with stadium and broadcast advertising, helps support the program financially. Sponsorship deals are an ongoing avenue for growth, especially with Alabama’s high national profile.
• Merchandise Sales: The sale of Alabama football merchandise, including jerseys, hats, and other memorabilia, also contributes to the program’s bottom line. Merchandise sales reached approximately $15 million in FY 2024, bolstered by Alabama’s large and loyal fan base that extends far beyond the state of Alabama.

2. Expenditures for Alabama Football

While the revenue figures are impressive, Alabama football also has significant expenditures, as running a powerhouse program at this level requires substantial investment. The total expenditures for Alabama football in FY 2024 were estimated at $125 million. The breakdown of expenditures includes several key categories.

• Coaching Staff Salaries: As one of the most well-compensated coaching staffs in college football, Alabama’s investment in its football staff is significant. The total expenditure for salaries, including head coach Nick Saban’s salary and those of his assistant coaches, support staff, and administrative personnel, was approximately $30 million in FY 2024. Nick Saban himself, with his multiple national championships and status as one of the highest-paid coaches in sports, commands a salary that exceeds $10 million annually.
• Scholarships and Player Benefits: Alabama provides scholarships and other benefits to its student-athletes, which is a major part of the budget. The total cost for player scholarships, including tuition, room and board, and other educational benefits, amounted to $25 million in FY 2024. This expense is consistent with Alabama’s commitment to providing its student-athletes with a top-tier education and a premier athletic experience.
• Facilities and Operations: Maintaining Alabama’s state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including the Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Mal Moore Athletic Facility, and the football team’s practice fields, incurs significant costs. In FY 2024, Alabama football spent $20 million on facility maintenance, upgrades, and operations. This figure also includes travel costs for the football team, which is one of the most well-funded programs in terms of logistics and operational support.
• Recruiting and Player Development: The recruiting process remains a critical aspect of Alabama’s success. The university spent $15 million on recruiting and player development in FY 2024, covering costs related to recruiting trips, official visits, recruiting staff, and academic and athletic support for players.
• Marketing and Promotions: To maintain its strong brand and global recognition, Alabama football spends $10 million on marketing and promotional efforts. This includes advertisements, media appearances, and social media campaigns that enhance the program’s visibility and marketability.

3. Net Profit and Financial Outlook

Despite the significant expenditures, Alabama football posted a net profit of $35 million for FY 2024. This continued profitability further reinforces Alabama’s position as one of the top programs in the country, both on and off the field. The financial success allows the program to continue making improvements to facilities, offer competitive salaries to coaches, and support athletic scholarships and player development programs.

Looking forward, Alabama football’s financial future remains strong. The growing value of media rights and sponsorship deals, combined with the program’s ability to generate revenue from ticket sales and merchandise, ensures that Alabama football will continue to be a financial powerhouse. However, the program will also need to adjust to challenges presented by NIL, the transfer portal, and changes in the broader landscape of college athletics, which may impact revenue and expenditures in future years.

Performance of Other Crimson Tide Teams in FY 2024

While Alabama football remains the cornerstone of the university’s athletic department, several other Crimson Tide teams also performed exceptionally well in FY 2024. The success of these teams contributes not only to the university’s athletic reputation but also to the overall financial stability of the athletic department.

1. Alabama Men’s Basketball

In FY 2024, Alabama men’s basketball had one of its most successful seasons in recent history. Under head coach Nate Oats, the team made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament and finished the season with a 29-6 record, securing a top seed in the tournament. The success of the men’s basketball team contributed to a notable increase in revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and television contracts. The team’s strong performance has also enhanced Alabama’s national profile, drawing attention from high-profile recruits and boosting fan engagement.

• Revenue from Men’s Basketball: Estimated at $20 million, driven by ticket sales, a lucrative television contract, and increased merchandise sales.

2. Alabama Women’s Basketball

The Alabama women’s basketball team had an outstanding season in FY 2024, with the program securing a berth in the NCAA Tournament and advancing to the second round. Head coach Kristy Curry’s squad continued to build momentum with a strong season that saw multiple players earning All-SEC honors. The continued success of the women’s basketball program is helping to elevate the profile of women’s athletics at Alabama.

• Revenue from Women’s Basketball: Estimated at $8 million, driven by increased attendance, sponsorships, and NCAA Tournament appearances.

3. Alabama Baseball

The Alabama baseball team made a significant impact during FY 2024, with a successful regular season and a trip to the NCAA Regionals. The team’s strong performance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) helped increase fan interest and merchandise sales. Alabama’s baseball program, while not generating the same revenue as football or basketball, remains an important part of the overall athletic department.

• Revenue from Baseball: Estimated at $5 million, bolstered by NCAA Tournament appearances and fan engagement during the regular season.

4. Alabama Women’s Gymnastics

Alabama’s women’s gymnastics program has consistently been one of the most successful programs in the nation. In FY 2024, the team made it to the NCAA Championship meet, further solidifying its status as one of the premier gymnastics teams in the country. The program’s high-profile status also boosts the visibility of Alabama athletics, particularly among female athletes.

• Revenue from Gymnastics: Estimated at $3 million, driven by ticket sales and sponsorships.

5. Alabama Track and Field

Alabama’s track and field program had a strong year in FY 2024, with both the men’s and women’s teams performing well at the SEC Championships and securing multiple spots in the NCAA Championships. Track and field programs typically generate less revenue than revenue-generating sports like football and basketball, but their success still contributes positively to the overall athletic department.

• Revenue from Track and Field: Estimated at $2 million.