Money Matters: Florida's Athletic Budget Gets Larger for 2011-12

Have you ever wondered what nearly a $100 million athletic program looks like? Well, with the news that the University of Florida's athletic budget will be just under $99 million for the 2011-2012 year, the Gators are approaching that triple-digit threshold. That $99 million budget amounts to an increase of 2.2 percent from the previous year.

If you spend it wisely, it can also earn you what looks like to be another top-five finish in the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup. That's also taking into account that the Gators play in roughly eight fewer sports than the other teams near the top of the standings.

A complete breakdown of the budget (which was approved Wednesday night) is after the jump.

Via the Florida Today:

It is projected that Gator Boosters will contribute $36 million to the UAA this school year.

Southeastern Conference revenue, TV contracts and bowl games are projected to bring Florida $17 million in the 2011-12 school year.

Equipment contracts will pay the UAA, the athletic operating arm of the program, $1.6 million. Florida expects football to generate $19.7 million in revenue from ticket sales this coming season and basketball, $2 million, while licensing and multi-media agreements are forecast to contribute another combined $12.7 million.

It should be noted that most of that multimedia money comes from the roughly 10-year, $100 million agreement between UF and FOX Sports that was signed in 2008. If you ever wondered how much money the Florida Gators earned from Sun Sports, there you go.

Also, what Florida lacks in SEC TV contract revenue compared to more recent deals by the Pac-10/12, or by not being in the Big Ten/12, it makes up for with the $36 million that is projected to come via Gator Boosters. Great job once again by Gator Boosters and all who donate.

Florida also expects to pay out $1.5 million more in scholarship costs; 278 scholarships for the 2011-12 school year is forecast to be $11.8 million. UF's $47.8 million in scholarship endowments should help cushion that increase.

The budget also includes the $6 million donation that the Athletic Association recently pledged to the University. It is also a safe bet that, since the Athletic Association is in business to make a profit, when the final revenue numbers are released, one can fully expect to see Florida's 2011-12 athletic revenues easily top $100 million. Without looking at the numbers, I'm going to guess that Texas and maybe Ohio State will make slightly more than the Gators, as usual.

Now, all we have to do is improve the women's basketball team.