In fiscal year 2025, Ball State University's Football program reported $3.2M in revenue and $9.5M in expenses, for a net deficit of $6.3M. The program generated $3.2M in total revenue, led by Guarantees at $2.5M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Ball State University ranks 77th overall in total expenses (35th of 36 Group of Five programs) — below the FBS average of $36.5M. Ball State University competes in the MAC; financial data is available from FY2022 through FY2025.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Guarantees | $2,500,000 |
| Ticket Sales | $454,684 |
| Contributions | $164,221 |
| Program, Novelty, Parking and Concession Sales | $69,515 |
| Sports Camp Revenues | $28,665 |
| Other Operating Revenue | $1,200 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $2,895,887 |
| Athletic Student Aid | $2,873,314 |
| Team Travel | $1,116,369 |
| Severance Payments | $916,267 |
| Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $509,101 |
| Guarantees | $325,000 |
| Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $220,114 |
| Direct Overhead and Administrative Expenses | $139,006 |
| Game Expenses | $138,875 |
| Medical Expenses and Insurance | $92,782 |
| Other Operating Expenses | $85,384 |
| Recruiting | $73,947 |
| Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel) | $72,091 |
| Facilities Maintenance and Operations | $13,796 |
| Fund Raising, Marketing and Promotion | $6,678 |
| Memberships and Dues | $6,413 |
| Sports Camp Expenses | $71 |
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $3,218,285 | $9,485,095 | -$6.3M |
| FY2024 | $4,090,625 | $7,913,337 | -$3.8M |
| FY2023 | $2,344,386 | $8,779,641 | -$6.4M |
| FY2022 | $2,529,822 | $8,341,965 | -$5.8M |
Guarantee game payouts account for $2.5M of the program's $3.2M in total revenue, reflecting a financial model heavily dependent on scheduling arrangements with larger programs rather than self-generated income. At $9.5M in FY2025 expenses — with coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses representing the single largest cost at $2.9M — Ball State ranks 77th out of 78 FBS programs in total spending, far below the FBS average of $36.5M. The result is a $6.3M operating deficit, with expenses having climbed from $7.9M in FY2024 to their current level despite the program operating near the
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