In fiscal year 2025, Bowling Green State University (BGSU)'s Football program reported $4.5M in revenue and $11.9M in expenses, for a net deficit of $7.4M. The program generated $4.5M in total revenue, led by Guarantees at $3.1M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Bowling Green State University ranks 66th overall in total expenses (24th of 36 Group of Five programs) — below the FBS average of $36.5M. Bowling Green State University competes in the MAC; financial data is available from FY2014 through FY2025.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Guarantees | $3,100,000 |
| Ticket Sales | $826,159 |
| Football Bowl Revenues | $356,841 |
| Contributions | $105,058 |
| Program, Novelty, Parking and Concession Sales | $69,874 |
| Other Operating Revenue | $62,349 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Athletic Student Aid | $2,985,094 |
| Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $2,538,564 |
| Team Travel | $1,032,852 |
| Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel) | $981,511 |
| Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $853,527 |
| Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $834,334 |
| Football Bowl Expenses | $700,692 |
| Recruiting | $565,059 |
| Other Operating Expenses | $500,228 |
| Guarantees | $500,000 |
| Game Expenses | $186,181 |
| Memberships and Dues | $130,050 |
| Football Bowl Expenses - Coaching Compensation/Bonuses | $60,000 |
| Athletic Facilities Debt Service, Leases and Rental Fee | $3,964 |
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $4,520,281 | $11,872,056 | -$7.4M |
| FY2024 | $3,748,221 | $9,980,025 | -$6.2M |
| FY2023 | $3,599,039 | $9,832,039 | -$6.2M |
| FY2022 | $3,853,595 | $6,969,203 | -$3.1M |
| FY2021 | $627,416 | $5,251,594 | -$4.6M |
| FY2020 | $4,030,292 | $7,229,070 | -$3.2M |
Bowling Green's football program operated at a $7.4 million deficit in FY2025, generating just $4.5 million in revenue against $11.9 million in expenses — well below the FBS average of $36.5 million and ranking 66th out of 78 FBS programs in total spending. Guarantees, the payments received for playing road games at larger programs, drove the majority of revenue at $3.1 million, reflecting the program's reliance on a common financial strategy among smaller FBS schools. Expenses have risen sharply in recent years, nearly doubling from $5.3 million in FY2021 to $11.9 million
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