The University of Tennessee has announced a new revenue-sharing plan that will require fans to pay a 10% “talent fee” on tickets to help support athletes. This move, believed to be the first of its kind, comes as part of an effort to prepare for the upcoming NCAA revenue-sharing plan set to begin in 2025. The school’s athletic director, Danny White, emphasized the importance of resources in achieving competitive success in the era of name, image, and likeness (NIL).
The Tennessee football program, which turned a $75 million profit in 2023, is among the many schools across the country that rely on football revenue to support other sports programs. With a streak of 15 consecutive sellouts at Neyland Stadium and a waiting list for season tickets, Tennessee fans will now face increased ticket prices to help cover the costs of additional scholarships and revenue sharing with athletes.
Despite the financial burden on fans, the university is experiencing a period of on-field success, with recent achievements including a national championship in baseball and conference championships in men’s basketball, baseball, and softball. The school has also made significant investments in coaching staff, with high-profile raises for administrators and coaches including athletic director Danny White and baseball coach Tony Vitello.
In light of these changes, Tennessee fans will have the opportunity to spread out their payments over 10 months to help mitigate the impact of the increased ticket prices. As the university aims to maintain its success in college athletics and attract top talent, fans will play a crucial role in supporting the new revenue-sharing model and the athletes it aims to benefit.
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