University of Tennessee, Knoxville Football Financial Data

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

In fiscal year 2025, University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Football program reported $151.4M in revenue and $74.0M in expenses, for a net surplus of $77.4M. The program generated $151.4M in total revenue, led by Contributions at $50.5M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, University of Tennessee, Knoxville ranks 6th overall in total expenses (6th of 42 Power Four programs) — above the FBS average of $36.5M. University of Tennessee, Knoxville competes in the SEC; financial data is available from FY2017 through FY2025.

FY2025 Overview

Total Revenue
$151,409,128
Total Expenses
$74,017,787
Net
+$77,391,341

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FY2025 Revenue Sources

CategoryAmount
Contributions$50,491,516
Ticket Sales$40,942,619
Royalties, Licensing, Advertisement and Sponsorships$24,496,381
Media Rights$18,630,506
Program, Novelty, Parking and Concession Sales$7,733,306
Guarantees$3,772,358
Football Bowl Revenues$3,394,840
Direct Institutional Support$1,542,832
Student Fees$193,396
Sports Camp Revenues$158,680
Athletics Restricted Endowment and Investments Income$52,694

FY2025 Expense Breakdown

CategoryAmount
Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities$17,436,361
Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities$9,940,636
Direct Overhead and Administrative Expenses$8,666,973
Athletic Student Aid$6,143,721
Athletic Facilities Debt Service, Leases and Rental Fee$5,571,704
Game Expenses$5,154,627
Other Operating Expenses$4,798,927
Recruiting$4,589,573
Guarantees$3,500,000
Team Travel$2,376,846
Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel)$2,008,315
Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies$1,704,982
Football Bowl Expenses$1,024,953
Football Bowl Expenses - Coaching Compensation/Bonuses$560,330
Medical Expenses and Insurance$530,234
Memberships and Dues$9,605
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$151,409,128$74,017,787+$77.4M
FY2024$149,321,129$75,905,015+$73.4M
FY2023$135,090,185$59,112,823+$76.0M
FY2022$99,305,304$47,194,884+$52.1M
FY2021$62,627,432$45,899,235+$16.7M
FY2020$93,137,617$55,730,413+$37.4M

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Football — Financial Context

Tennessee's football program generated $151.4M in revenue against $74.0M in expenses in FY2025, producing a $77.4M surplus with contributions leading all revenue sources at $50.5M. At $74.0M, the Volunteers rank 6th in spending among all 78 FBS programs tracked — nearly double the FBS average of $36.5M — with coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses representing the largest expense category at $17.4M. Program expenses have grown significantly over the past several years, rising from $45.9M in FY2021 to their current level, though FY2025 marked a slight pullback from the

Other Sports at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main revenue sources for University of Tennessee, Knoxville Football?
The largest revenue category was Contributions at $50,491,516 in FY2025.
How does University of Tennessee, Knoxville Football spending compare to other FBS programs?
Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, University of Tennessee, Knoxville ranks 6th overall in total expenses (6th of 42 Power Four programs) — above the FBS average of $36.5M.
Is University of Tennessee, Knoxville Football profitable?
In FY2025, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Football reported a net surplus of $77.4M.