Ohio State Athletics Sets Revenue Record in 2025

Department brings in $336.1 million, a new high, with a $15.7 million surplus after a $38 million deficit the previous year.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:47pm

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The Ohio State athletic department set a new school record for revenue in fiscal year 2025, bringing in $336.1 million. This was a significant increase from the $254.9 million in revenue the previous year, which had resulted in a $38 million deficit. The 2025 fiscal year saw the Buckeyes play nine total home games, including a first-round College Football Playoff game, leading to a $22.9 million increase in football ticket sales alone. Ohio State also saw donor-funded contributions rise to a record $68.2 million.

Why it matters

Ohio State's athletic department is one of the largest and most prominent in college sports, and its financial performance is closely watched as an indicator of the overall health of the collegiate athletics model. The record revenue in 2025 suggests the department has successfully navigated recent challenges and found new ways to generate income, which will be crucial as the landscape continues to evolve.

The details

The $336.1 million in revenue for fiscal year 2025 broke the previous school record of $279.5 million set in 2023. The department also netted a $15.7 million surplus after expenses, a significant turnaround from the $38 million deficit in 2024 when the Buckeyes had only six home football games. In 2025, Ohio State played nine total home games, including a first-round College Football Playoff contest, leading to a $22.9 million increase in football ticket sales alone. The department also saw donor-funded contributions rise to a record $68.2 million, up from $52.5 million the previous year. Media rights revenues from television and radio also increased from $52.8 million to $64.9 million in the second year of the Big Ten's new seven-year, $7 billion media rights deal.

  • The 2025 fiscal year began on July 1, 2024 and ended on June 30, 2025.
  • Ohio State played nine total home games during the 2024 season, including a first-round College Football Playoff game.

The players

Ross Bjork

The athletic director of Ohio State University.

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What they’re saying

“As the collegiate athletics model continues to evolve, successfully navigating the financial landscape is a must and I am proud of everyone within our program who made last year a success.”

— Ross Bjork, Athletic Director (Ohio State University)

The takeaway

Ohio State's record-breaking $336.1 million in athletic revenue for fiscal year 2025 demonstrates the department's ability to adapt and thrive in the rapidly changing college sports landscape. By increasing ticket sales, donor contributions, and media rights deals, Ohio State has positioned itself as a financial powerhouse that can continue to invest in its programs and facilities to maintain its status as one of the premier athletic departments in the country.