Texas Longhorns Soar: A Closer Look at the University of Texas Athletic Program’s Value
In Austin, Texas, the energy is electric as the University of Texas at Austin continues to make headlines, especially when it comes to its impressive athletic program. According to a recent ranking from a well-known finance and business network, the Longhorns have solidified their status as one of college sports’ most valuable athletic programs. This year, they ranked second in the nation, just behind Ohio State University, and beat out fierce competitors like Texas A&M University.
The Big Picture: CNBC Rankings and Texas’ Spot
CNBC released its top 75 college athletic programs in 2024, taking into account various factors that contribute to a school’s overall value. These included aspects like the program’s conference affiliation, estimated name, image, and likeness (NIL) spending, and, of course, the size of the alumni base. It’s no surprise that schools in the Big 10 and SEC conferences dominate the top spots, largely due to lucrative media rights deals that come with being part of such powerhouse leagues.
Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Coming in at an estimated worth of $1.28 billion, the University of Texas is just shy of Ohio State’s $1.32 billion. In a fun twist, the Longhorns managed to outpace their rivals, the Texas A&M Aggies, who ranked third with a valuation of $1.26 billion. This friendly rivalry extends beyond just football, delighting fans of both teams and the sports culture in Texas.
In the Top Five
Also making the top five, we have the University of Michigan with an estimated value of $1.06 billion and the University of Alabama coming in close at $978 million. It’s interesting to see that Notre Dame University is the only institution outside of the Big 10 and SEC to crack the top ten, earning a respectable sixth place with a value of $969 million.
The Top Ten Rundown
Following Texas and Ohio State, here’s a quick rundown of the schools in the top ten list:
- 1. Ohio State University: $1.32 billion
- 2. University of Texas at Austin: $1.28 billion
- 3. Texas A&M University: $1.26 billion
- 4. University of Michigan: $1.06 billion
- 5. University of Alabama: $978 million
- 6. Notre Dame University: $969 million
- 7. University of Georgia: $950 million
- 8. University of Nebraska: $943 million
- 9. University of Tennessee: $940 million
- 10. University of Oklahoma: $928 million
Exclusions from the Rankings
It’s important to note that the rankings specifically excluded military academies such as the Air Force, Army, and Navy, focusing solely on schools in the NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Leadership Behind the Success
Leading the charge for the Texas Longhorns is Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, who has played a significant role in enhancing the overall value of the athletic program. His leadership has not only improved the teams’ performances but also the financial dynamics of the program, which has earned him recognition as one of the key players in the sports realm.
A Thriving Future
With such a substantial ranking and the exciting performance of its teams, the future looks bright for the University of Texas. As the Texas Longhorns continue to build on their successful legacy, fans and alumni can only anticipate a vibrant athletic program that stands tall among its peers. From football to basketball to beyond, it’s clear that the Longhorn spirit remains strong!
This year’s rankings provide a snapshot of just how competitive college athletics can be, and for the Longhorns, it’s just another challenge to tackle—on and off the field! So, whether you’re wearing orange and white or just love sports, there’s plenty to celebrating coming from the Texas Longhorns!
