sports
December 19, 2025
CNBC's Official College Sports Valuations 2025: Top 75 athletic programs
The programs are worth a combined $51.22 billion, 13% more than the top 75 in last year's rankings.
TL;DR
- The University of Texas at Austin's athletic program is now valued at $1.48 billion, leading CNBC's valuation rankings.
- UT's program generated $332 million in revenue in fiscal 2024, with $137 million coming from donors.
- Ohio State University fell to No. 2 with a $1.35 billion valuation, experiencing a 9% revenue decrease due to fewer home football games.
- The combined value of the top 75 most valuable athletic programs is $51.22 billion, a 13% increase from last year.
- Escalating media rights deals for football and basketball, such as the Big 12's extension and the College Football Playoff deal with ESPN, are fueling program values.
- Private capital is showing interest in college sports, potentially funding NCAA settlements and revenue sharing for athletes.
- The University of Utah announced it will be the first athletic department to accept private equity money.
- A proposed deal for UC Investments to buy a stake in the Big Ten's media and sponsorship rights was put on hold due to opposition.
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