In fiscal year 2025, Western Michigan University (WMU)'s Football program reported $6.2M in revenue and $11.8M in expenses, for a net deficit of $5.6M. The program generated $6.2M in total revenue, led by Guarantees at $3.6M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Western Michigan University ranks 67th overall in total expenses (25th of 36 Group of Five programs) — below the FBS average of $36.5M. Western Michigan University competes in the MAC; financial data is available from FY2017 through FY2025.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Guarantees | $3,600,000 |
| Ticket Sales | $903,264 |
| Royalties, Licensing, Advertisement and Sponsorships | $684,640 |
| Football Bowl Revenues | $354,300 |
| Contributions | $294,559 |
| In-Kind | $144,057 |
| Direct Institutional Support | $104,016 |
| Sports Camp Revenues | $68,027 |
| Program, Novelty, Parking and Concession Sales | $63,525 |
| Athletics Restricted Endowment and Investments Income | $2,192 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Athletic Student Aid | $3,250,882 |
| Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $2,670,536 |
| Guarantees | $825,000 |
| Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel) | $784,926 |
| Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $775,575 |
| Team Travel | $688,265 |
| Football Bowl Expenses | $580,706 |
| Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $565,330 |
| Recruiting | $563,225 |
| Direct Overhead and Administrative Expenses | $313,091 |
| Game Expenses | $307,341 |
| Enhanced Educational Benefits (Alston or other) | $137,540 |
| Football Bowl Expenses - Coaching Compensation/Bonuses | $96,885 |
| Sports Camp Expenses | $69,054 |
| Other Operating Expenses | $66,065 |
| Medical Expenses and Insurance | $61,785 |
| Memberships and Dues | $30,785 |
| Facilities Maintenance and Operations | $8,502 |
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $6,218,580 | $11,795,493 | -$5.6M |
| FY2024 | $4,137,876 | $9,231,882 | -$5.1M |
| FY2023 | $3,722,817 | $9,804,685 | -$6.1M |
| FY2022 | $4,545,572 | $9,257,649 | -$4.7M |
| FY2021 | $681,295 | $5,951,641 | -$5.3M |
| FY2020 | $4,049,788 | $9,346,842 | -$5.3M |
Generating roughly $6.2 million in revenue against $11.8 million in expenses, the football program ran a $5.6 million deficit in FY2025, with guaranty game payments accounting for the majority of revenue at $3.6 million. Operating at just 32% of the FBS average expense level of $36.5 million, the program ranks 67th out of 78 FBS programs in total spending. Expenses have risen sharply, jumping from $9.2 million in FY2024 to $11.8 million in FY2025, the highest spend in the six-year tracked period and nearly double the FY2021
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