UF athletics budget tops $200 million, Gators basketball spending up 20%

GAINESVILLE A $2.4 million projected spending increase for Floridas national championship basketball program and $20.5 million newly allotted for student-athletes highlight a Gators athletic department budget now standing at more than $205 million.The 2025-26 budget figures, recently approved and obtained by the Orlando Sentinel, increase spending from $180.8 million in 2024-25 as UFs investment in athletics crosses the $200 million plateau.The 13.4% increase surpasses the 13.2% rise in spending over the course of 2019 to 2024.The catalyst is the recent House v.

NCAA settlement, reached June 6, that approved each school share up to $20.5 million with athletes starting July 1.

The landmark, multi-billion dollar decision places further financial demand on ever-expanding athletic department budgets.University of Florida men's basketball Head Coach Todd Golden (L) delivers remarks during a celebration of the team's 2025 NCAA championship hosted by U.S.

President Donald Trump (C) and Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.

With a 36-4 record on the season, the Florida University team beat the University of Houston 65-63 to clinch the national championship.

(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)UFs University Athletic Association also raised the mens basketball operating budget around 20%, to $10 million, following a national title run capped by Floridas 65-63 win April 7 against Houston.

The performance earned third-year coach Todd Golden a new 6-year, $40.5 million contract.The school increased basketball spending in Goldens second season.Meanwhile, operating expenses in football expense rose to $33 million from $30 million after ending 2024 on a four-game winning streak.The full financial windfall for the schools third national championship in mens basketball is to be determined.

Licensing fees and royalties on merchandise continue to accumulate while revenues from future ticket sales and booster contributions are yet to be fully realized.UFs athletic budget has steadily grown, but also with more fiscal responsibility than similar SEC football powers.The Knight-Newhouse College Athletics Database tracked data showing accelerated spending since 2019.

This includes a 63% budget increase at SEC rival Tennessee from $143.765 million to $234.058 million in 2024.

Alabamas operating expenses rose 43% to $234.825 million, LSU increased 40% to $220.281 million and Georgia 39% to $241.843.Florida coach Billy Napier watches players participate in the school's NFL pro day on March 27 in Gainesville.

(AP Photo/John Raoux)Median spending for Football Bowl Subdivision programs is $117,936,293, according to the Knight-Newhouse Web site.

The so-called House Settlement demands athletic departments to share revenue with student-athletes, though not every FBS school will commit the $20.5 million allowed.UF will largely meet the additional financial burden with a $12 million increase in total sports operating revenue, led by ticket sales ($7 million) and money from SEC television ($5 million) generated primarily by football and mens basketball.The UAA also asked every department and program to reduce expenses by 5%.Untouched, however, were student-athlete services totaling $8 million for nutrition, strength and conditioning, athletic trainers and mental health.Continuing to augment athletic department spending, Gator Boosters, Inc.

raised $38.3 million in 2025-26.Edgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected].

This article has been shared from the original article on sun_sentinel, here is the link to the original article.