Cal's Sports Spending Soars to Over $165 Million in First ACC Year

Expenses climb more than 30% over three years as Cal transitions to the Atlantic Coast Conference

Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:34am

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A recent financial report shows that the University of California, Berkeley's (Cal) spending on intercollegiate athletics soared in the school's first year in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), with total operating expenses climbing to more than $165 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year, up from approximately $149 million in 2023-24 and $127 million the year before. Revenues also jumped, rising to about $153 million in '24-'25, though much of the increase came via payments from UCLA and the UC Office of the President.

Why it matters

The financial statement illustrates the wide-ranging economic impact of Cal's transition to the ACC, with costs for team travel, coaching salaries, and support staff/administrative compensation all increasing significantly. The report also highlights the financial pressures facing Cal athletics, including a large deficit and the ongoing costs of renovating Memorial Stadium.

The details

Cal's athletic department ran a deficit of more than $24 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, including nearly $12 million in payments for the renovation of Memorial Stadium and other capital projects. The report also shows that Cal's media rights revenue dropped sharply, from $25 million in the school's final year as a Pac-12 member to $11 million in its first year in the ACC. However, contributions to the athletic department climbed significantly, to $20.4 million from $13.7 million, driven by aggressive fundraising efforts.

  • Cal joined the ACC in the summer of 2024, after the Pacific-12 Conference imploded.
  • The financial report covers the 2024-25 fiscal year, which was Cal's first year in the ACC.

The players

Jay Larson

Cal co-athletic director.

Justin Wilcox

Former Cal football coach who was fired in November 2024.

Tosh Lupoi

New Cal football coach who was hired in December 2024 to replace Wilcox.

Michael Drake

Former University of California president.

Carol Christ

Former University of California, Berkeley chancellor.

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What they’re saying

“That will be the biggest change you see for '25-'26, the implementation of the House settlement. It adds a $20.5 million expense line. We need to generate the revenue … and we're pleased our donor community has really stepped up, and is primarily funding our revenue sharing.”

— Jay Larson, Cal co-athletic director

“Our first year in the ACC was exactly what we expected from a financial standpoint, exactly what we prepared for. We knew we'd have a reduced (media rights) revenue share, we knew we'd have increased travel expenses, and both things played out as we expected.”

— Jay Larson, Cal co-athletic director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.