What can an extra $18.6 million buy a college football powerhouse? For Alabama, Georgia, and the rest of the SEC, they’re about to find out, thanks to a record-shattering revenue distribution from the conference. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey made a major announcement for the SEC programs. To no one’s surprise, financial growth has been the center of it. 

The SEC reportedly hit a financial milestone, bringing in more revenue than ever before. According to reports, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, the conference distributed $1.03 billion to its 16 universities. This represents a significant increase in funds from the previous cycle, which could enable the universities to flex their financial muscle.

During the 2023-24 cycle, the SEC-wide distribution totaled $808.4 million. Thanks to this, Georgia, Alabama, and other programs received an additional $200 million for this financial year, which could boost their university finances. When including bowl revenue for participating programs, the 14 full-year financial participants could receive an average of about $72.4 million each from this year’s distribution as the SEC distribution cycle goes to another level.

The $72.4 million average is for schools that were SEC members the entire year. Not all schools will get the full benefits that Alabama and Georgia do. The increase from last year’s $53.8 million (about $18.6 million more) marks a significant budget boost without tuition hikes or cuts.

Texas and Oklahoma fall into a unique category. After joining the SEC in July 2024, they became ineligible for a full annual payout. Rather, they picked up smaller distributions related to postseason appearances and NCAA-related funds. Unsurprisingly, Texas earned $12.1 million, and Oklahoma received $2.6 million, which became a monumental boost. 

“As college athletics continues to undergo significant change, SEC universities are well-positioned to deliver new financial benefits for student-athletes,” said the SEC Commissioner Sankey.

While continuing to offer a transformative, life-changing college experience, including debt-free education and comprehensive support in coaching, training, academics, healthcare, mental wellness, nutrition, life skills, and post-eligibility medical coverage.”

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The total distribution amounts to $37.4 million, which was kept by universities participating in the 2024-25 College Football Playoff and bowl games. An expanded College Football Playoff and a robust bowl system are driving this financial boost. With this financial windfall, the pressure is now on programs like Alabama and Georgia to translate those dollars into championships.

The ideal distribution from the SEC offers a financial cushion

The SEC benefit will cover many areas. The $18.6 million in additional funds can be invested in each school’s athletic department budget. Alabama, Georgia, and others will have more funding to upgrade their training facilities and invest more in recruiting resources. For instance, they can take flights to make more recruiting trips within a limited time.

Moreover, the SEC’s athletic departments continue to put effort and invest heavily in their programs. For the 2024 EADA reporting, their average annual operating costs have climbed to $186 million, about 23% more than they spent in the previous two years. Although this seems to be high, the extra cash from the SEC would help.

For FY 2024, reports show that Alabama’s athletic department spent $243,096,720, while Georgia’s expenditures were $182,882,099. That means the extra $72.4 million will provide them with some helpful financial breathing room. The annual turnover of college football is staggering, and even some international sporting bodies can’t boast it.

With more revenue coming in, elite SEC programs like Alabama and Georgia have greater flexibility with NIL as well. The recruitment side of things becomes a big plus with all the SEC-distributed income.