Which collegiate sports are the biggest money-makers?

Hi all, as a junior hoping to gain a sports scholarship for college, understanding the finances of college sports has become critically important. I wonder, which sports usually make the most money for colleges?

The collegiate sports that typically generate the most revenue for colleges, especially at Division I schools, are football and men's basketball. These two sports attract large audiences, both in-person and through broadcast deals, driving substantial ticket, concessions, and merchandise sales. Sponsorships and major television contracts also contribute significantly to the wealth of these sports.

Football is often the biggest revenue generator, largely due to the sheer capacity of football stadiums and the popularity of the sport in the United States. Schools in major conferences like the Big Ten, SEC, or ACC often see immense revenue from football. For instance, schools with storied football traditions like the University of Alabama or University of Texas can make millions of dollars per season.

Men's basketball, on the other hand, is a major revenue source due to the popularity of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament (commonly referred to as "March Madness"). This tournament garners attention and excitement from fans nationwide and has major TV deals, bringing in a significant income for the participating schools and conferences.

While football and men's basketball generally are the biggest money-makers, it's worth mentioning that this varies depending on the specific school. For example, at a college with a particularly strong and popular hockey, baseball, or women's basketball program, those sports may generate substantial revenue as well.

In terms of scholarships, schools can provide athletic scholarships for a wide array of sports, not just the major revenue-generating ones. So, getting a sports scholarship doesn't necessitate participating in football or men's basketball. It's important to pursue the sport you are most passionate about and skilled in, and then look for colleges that have programs in that sport and offer relevant scholarships.