What's Happening?
Rutgers University’s athletics program has been ranked as the least valuable among Big Ten schools, according to a CNBC evaluation. The program was valued at approximately $506 million, placing it at number 56 out of 75 college athletics programs evaluated. Despite this ranking, Rutgers has shown progress, moving up three spots from the previous year. The program's value increased by 21% in 2025, a significant rise compared to the 10-19% increase seen by most other programs. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Rutgers Athletics generated $137 million in revenue, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This growth aligns with a broader trend in college athletics, where the total value of the top 75 programs rose by 13% to $51.22 billion, and
total revenue increased by 8% to $11.84 billion.
Why It's Important?
The evaluation of Rutgers Athletics highlights the financial dynamics within college sports, particularly in the Big Ten conference. Despite being ranked as the least valuable, Rutgers' significant revenue growth indicates a positive trajectory that could enhance its competitiveness and financial stability. This growth is crucial for the university as it seeks to improve its athletic facilities, attract top talent, and increase its marketability. The broader increase in college athletics' value and revenue underscores the sector's resilience and potential for further growth, benefiting universities, athletes, and associated businesses. However, the disparity in valuations among programs also points to ongoing challenges in achieving financial parity within collegiate sports.
