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College Athletics Surge: $51.22 Billion in 2025 Rankings

12/20/2025

33 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, CNBC ranked the top 75 college athletic programs at $51.22 billion, up 13% from 2024.
The University of Texas at Austin led at $1.48 billion; Ohio State University followed at $1.35 billion.
The rankings reflect growing media rights deals, donations, and NIL agreements driving totals.
The University of Notre Dame secured an NBC deal worth $50 million annually starting in 2026, illustrating revenue growth.

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Story summary

In 2025, CNBC ranked the top 75 college athletic programs at $51.22 billion, up 13% from 2024.
The University of Texas at Austin led at $1.48 billion; Ohio State University followed at $1.35 billion.
The rankings reflect growing media rights deals, donations, and NIL agreements driving totals.
The University of Notre Dame secured an NBC deal worth $50 million annually starting in 2026, illustrating revenue growth.