In fiscal year 2025, Western Kentucky University (WKU)'s Football program reported $11.4M in revenue and $11.4M in expenses, for a net surplus of $41K. The program generated $11.4M in total revenue, led by Direct Institutional Support at $6.5M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Western Kentucky University ranks 71st overall in total expenses (29th of 36 Group of Five programs) — below the FBS average of $36.5M. Western Kentucky University competes in the C-USA; financial data is available from FY2018 through FY2025.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Direct Institutional Support | $6,513,874 |
| Guarantees | $2,625,000 |
| Ticket Sales | $915,718 |
| Football Bowl Revenues | $810,966 |
| Contributions | $544,432 |
| Other Operating Revenue | $1,000 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $3,241,334 |
| Athletic Student Aid | $2,307,103 |
| Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $1,142,274 |
| Team Travel | $1,023,049 |
| Football Bowl Expenses | $827,905 |
| Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $605,383 |
| Recruiting | $586,984 |
| Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel) | $475,051 |
| Other Operating Expenses | $342,359 |
| Guarantees | $325,000 |
| Game Expenses | $272,196 |
| Direct Overhead and Administrative Expenses | $143,920 |
| Memberships and Dues | $49,536 |
| Fund Raising, Marketing and Promotion | $15,036 |
| Facilities Maintenance and Operations | $10,959 |
| Medical Expenses and Insurance | $1,585 |
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $11,410,990 | $11,369,674 | +$41K |
| FY2024 | $11,207,656 | $11,207,656 | +$0 |
| FY2023 | $11,182,362 | $11,182,362 | +$0 |
| FY2022 | $10,133,109 | $10,133,109 | +$0 |
| FY2021 | $8,805,001 | $8,805,001 | +$0 |
| FY2020 | $9,985,367 | $9,985,367 | +$0 |
The Hilltoppers' football program operated on $11.4 million in expenses in FY2025, ranking 71st out of 78 FBS programs and well below the FBS average of $36.5 million, reflecting the financial constraints typical of a C-USA program. Direct Institutional Support accounted for $6.5 million — more than half of the program's $11.4 million in total revenue — underscoring the program's heavy reliance on university subsidies rather than self-generated income. Despite a lean budget that has grown modestly from $8.8 million in FY2021, the program managed to finish FY2025 with a razor
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