Aggie Athletics' Financial Performance in 2013

Recently, USA Today released the 2013 financial records for university athletic departments.

These are the Top 25 athletic departments in Total Revenue (data source: USA Today).

Aggie Athletics is #21 on the list, right behind California and Kentucky and ahead of Oklahoma State and Kansas.

Aggie Athletics collected $93,957,906 in revenue for 2013, had $85,114,588 in expenses, and realized an overall profit of $8,843,318.

Above is a breakdown of the revenues collected dating back to 2005. You'll notice right away that revenue was down in '13 compared to '12 ($93.9 MM compared to $119.7 MM) and this was due in large part to a dramatic drop in donations listed in the chart as contributions. Texas A&M's 12th Man Foundation, a separate entity, funnels collected donations to the athletic department. Thus, total donations for 2013 collected by the 12th Man Foundation may not be reported here. Donations to large projects, such as the renovation of Kyle Field, are most likely not reported as they far exceed the $15.2 million listed.

Another interesting note is the increase in rights/licensing revenue. Texas A&M saw a $15 million increase in this category between '12 and '13. Could this be a clear indication of the "Johnny Football effect?" There is no doubt that the strength of the Texas A&M brand has increased over the last two years, and here are actual numbers to support that claim. However, the $35 million collected from rights/licensing still has room to grow as we are dwarfed by programs like Texas, Michigan, and Alabama that have strong national brands.

The expenses categories are not that interesting, as they all have marginally increased over time as one might expect. The biggest jump is seen in the coaching/staff section, but that is to be expected as salaries have increased not only for head football coach Kevin Sumlin (who recently signed a new extension) but also for his assistant football coaches. With a regime change at the top of the athletic department, there will be new administration hired and let go, further affecting that column.

It still is sobering to see that expenses have increased by more than $27 million in fewer than 10 years.

Overall, Texas A&M athletics appears to be doing quite well financially as they are one of only ten or so schools in the country who collected over $7 million in athletic department profits. Most other schools profit $1-5 million, or barely break even. However, Texas A&M appears to be lagging behind the rest of the SEC. Eight SEC schools are ahead of A&M in this list, including Kentucky and Arkansas. Texas A&M is also 5th in the SEC West, in front of only Ole Miss and Mississippi State. That order, however, might change dramatically if all donations to the 12th Man were reported, thus increasing total revenue.

Take these numbers with a grain of salt.