UCF’s athletic department continues to make strides as it navigates its transition to the Big 12 conference. The latest fiscal year report, filed with the NCAA, shows an increase in both revenue and expenses.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, UCF reported a total operating revenue of $108.89 million, up from $98.16 million the previous year. This increase can be attributed to ticket sales, donations, and conference distribution, with the Knights receiving a half-share of annual revenue as part of their agreement to join the Power Five league.
Operating expenses also saw an increase, rising from $97.45 million to $103.62 million. Rising costs for team travel, equipment, and game expenses contributed to this rise.
Since arriving at UCF in 2021, athletics director Terry Mohajir has been working to address the department’s previous $27 million deficit. And with a total of 42,128 undergraduates, including 478 student-athletes, UCF’s athletic programs are continuing to grow and thrive.
In terms of revenue, UCF received $8.37 million from ticket sales, with football bringing in the majority at $6.39 million. Contributions also played a significant role, with $27.9 million, including $23.8 million from football. Media rights and NCAA distributions accounted for over $10 million in revenue, while royalties, licensing, advertising, and sponsorships brought in nearly $14 million.
On the expense side, the department spent $19.24 million on coaches’ salaries and benefits, with football and other sports receiving the majority of this expenditure. Support staff and administrative compensation totaled over $17 million, showcasing UCF’s commitment to providing top-notch resources for its student-athletes.
Notable increases in expenses include recruiting, which rose to $2.23 million, and team travel, which totaled over $6 million. Additionally, the department spent $10.77 million on student-athlete aid, including $1.9 million for the Alston Awards.
Looking ahead, UCF’s new Football Campus Project, including the Roth Tower expansion at FBC Mortgage Stadium and the Sharon and Marc Hagle Gateway, is expected to be completed before the 2026 football season. This expansion is projected to generate $2.4 million in new revenue annually.
UCF also paid a $2.5 million exit fee to the American Athletic Conference as part of its departure to the Big 12 in 2023. However, it’s important to note that the NCAA report does not account for funding capital projects, operating funds, and capital gifts, providing a limited financial picture.
As UCF continues to make strides in its transition to the Big 12, the future looks bright for Knights’ athletics.
