In fiscal year 2025, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Football program reported $124.5M in revenue and $72.7M in expenses, for a net surplus of $51.8M. The program generated $124.5M in total revenue, led by Media Rights at $63.8M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ranks 8th overall in total expenses (8th of 42 Power Four programs) — above the FBS average of $36.5M. University of Nebraska-Lincoln competes in the Big Ten; financial data is available from FY2017 through FY2025.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Media Rights | $63,821,235 |
| Ticket Sales | $31,079,298 |
| Conference Distributions of Football Bowl Generated Revenue | $10,665,018 |
| Program, Novelty, Parking and Concession Sales | $6,790,818 |
| Royalties, Licensing, Advertisement and Sponsorships | $6,579,908 |
| Football Bowl Revenues | $2,486,548 |
| Other Operating Revenue | $1,900,960 |
| NCAA Distributions | $606,040 |
| Conference Distributions (Non Media and Non Football Bowl) | $327,697 |
| Contributions | $148,754 |
| Athletics Restricted Endowment and Investments Income | $100,558 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $18,316,661 |
| Direct Overhead and Administrative Expenses | $16,430,284 |
| Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $5,775,166 |
| Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel) | $4,202,182 |
| Game Expenses | $3,847,190 |
| Athletic Student Aid | $3,822,787 |
| Team Travel | $3,142,875 |
| Football Bowl Expenses | $2,995,241 |
| Severance Payments | $2,853,018 |
| Guarantees | $2,500,000 |
| Other Operating Expenses | $2,408,770 |
| Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $2,331,402 |
| Recruiting | $1,664,920 |
| Enhanced Educational Benefits (Alston or other) | $825,240 |
| Facilities Maintenance and Operations | $759,046 |
| Football Bowl Expenses - Coaching Compensation/Bonuses | $669,765 |
| Athletic Facilities Debt Service, Leases and Rental Fee | $71,263 |
| Memberships and Dues | $49,229 |
| Fund Raising, Marketing and Promotion | $26,803 |
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $124,506,834 | $72,691,842 | +$51.8M |
| FY2024 | $129,329,710 | $84,059,267 | +$45.3M |
| FY2023 | $122,800,331 | $72,796,239 | +$50.0M |
| FY2022 | $99,014,523 | $35,006,033 | +$64.0M |
| FY2021 | $53,233,502 | $24,597,327 | +$28.6M |
| FY2020 | $98,907,641 | $33,222,111 | +$65.7M |
Nebraska's football program generated $124.5M in total revenue in FY2025, with media rights accounting for the largest share at $63.8M, resulting in a surplus of $51.8M after $72.7M in expenses. At $72.7M, the program's spending ranks 8th among 78 FBS programs and 8th among 41 Power Four schools, nearly double the FBS average of $36.5M. Coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses represent the program's single largest expense category at $18.3M, while total expenses have fluctuated notably over recent years, peaking at $84.1M in FY2024
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