This probably won’t come as a shock to
anyone. Florida’s overall athletic program in 2008-09 ranked in the top
three nationally in terms of generating revenue.
According to
figures reported by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal
earlier this week, UF’s overall athletic program generated $106
million, third most in the nation behind only Texas ($120 million) and
Ohio State ($117 million).
Five other SEC schools ranked in the
top 13 nationally — Auburn (7th, $89.31 million), Alabama (8th, $88.87
million), Tennessee (9th, $88.72 million), LSU (12th, $84.18 million)
and Georgia (13th, $84.02 million).
Football, of course, is the
big money-maker at Florida and the other SEC schools. The national
championship Gators generated $66.1 million, third most in the nation.
Although UF beat Georgia in football (again), the Bulldogs managed to
generate more revenue — $67.05 million. Texas’ football program led the
nation with $72.95 million.
