Michigan State University (MSU) Football Financial Data

NCAA Membership Financial Reporting System (MFRS) · Big Ten · Data available: FY2017–FY2025

In fiscal year 2025, Michigan State University (MSU)'s Football program reported $97.8M in revenue and $50.0M in expenses, for a net surplus of $47.9M. The program generated $97.8M in total revenue, led by Media Rights at $53.6M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Michigan State University ranks 22nd overall in total expenses (22nd of 42 Power Four programs) — above the FBS average of $36.5M. Michigan State University competes in the Big Ten; financial data is available from FY2017 through FY2025.

FY2025 Overview

Total Revenue
$97,849,914
Total Expenses
$49,998,836
Net
+$47,851,078

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FY2025 Revenue Sources

CategoryAmount
Media Rights$53,550,008
Ticket Sales$17,898,896
Contributions$12,311,295
Conference Distributions of Football Bowl Generated Revenue$10,665,018
Program, Novelty, Parking and Concession Sales$1,333,058
Athletics Restricted Endowment and Investments Income$651,953
Other Operating Revenue$458,442
Guarantees$400,000
Conference Distributions (Non Media and Non Football Bowl)$327,697
In-Kind$166,449
Sports Camp Revenues$85,612
Direct Institutional Support$1,486

FY2025 Expense Breakdown

CategoryAmount
Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities$16,330,866
Athletic Student Aid$6,322,304
Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities$4,971,794
Game Expenses$4,399,527
Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel)$2,911,343
Team Travel$2,560,644
Guarantees$2,552,100
Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies$2,158,027
Athletic Facilities Debt Service, Leases and Rental Fee$1,771,023
Direct Overhead and Administrative Expenses$1,727,147
Recruiting$1,594,994
Other Operating Expenses$1,108,462
Facilities Maintenance and Operations$530,962
Enhanced Educational Benefits (Alston or other)$468,000
Fund Raising, Marketing and Promotion$389,316
Medical Expenses and Insurance$96,752
Sports Camp Expenses$60,689
Spirit Groups$34,980
Memberships and Dues$9,906
Data sourced from NCAA MFRS filings obtained via public records (FOIA) requests and official athletic department disclosures. Figures are as reported to the NCAA and may include institutional support, conference distributions, and other non-self-generated revenue. See the methodology page for full sourcing details.

Year-over-Year Trend

Fiscal YearRevenueExpensesNet
FY2025$97,849,914$49,998,836+$47.9M
FY2024$88,744,201$58,600,367+$30.1M
FY2023$90,009,120$53,502,288+$36.5M
FY2022$96,428,924$51,227,199+$45.2M
FY2021$42,065,554$28,259,575+$13.8M
FY2020$72,446,793$48,899,016+$23.5M

Michigan State University Football — Financial Context

Michigan State's football program generated $97.8M in revenue during FY2025, with media rights accounting for the majority at $53.6M, resulting in a healthy surplus of $47.9M. At $50.0M, the program's expenses rank 22nd among Power Four programs and sit well above the FBS average of $36.5M, with coaching salaries representing the largest cost center at $16.3M. Notably, expenses have declined from a recent peak of $58.6M in FY2024, suggesting the program may be finding greater operational efficiency.

Other Sports at Michigan State University

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main revenue sources for Michigan State University Football?
The largest revenue category was Media Rights at $53,550,008 in FY2025.
How does Michigan State University Football spending compare to other FBS programs?
Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Michigan State University ranks 22nd overall in total expenses (22nd of 42 Power Four programs) — above the FBS average of $36.5M.
Is Michigan State University Football profitable?
In FY2025, Michigan State University Football reported a net surplus of $47.9M.