July 2025
Collegiate Consulting Provides Economic Impact Study for Washington State Athletics
According to a comprehensive study conducted by Collegiate Consulting, Washington State University Athletics delivers an average annual economic impact of more than $750 million. The full report, The Value of Intercollegiate Athletics: Washington State University Athletics Impact Study, is now available for public review.
Based on data from FY2021 through FY2024, the study found that WSU Athletics generated a combined economic impact of $2.25 billion over the past three years. The report quantifies the value of Cougar Athletics across multiple areas: national and digital media exposure, game-day attendance, personnel and student-athlete spending, volunteerism, camps and special events.
The study concludes that Washington State Athletics is not only a competitive Pac-12 program, but also a vital contributor to regional growth, higher education outcomes and community development.
Louisiana Tech Moves to Sun Belt with Aid of Collegiate Consulting Report
On July 14, Louisiana Tech University announced its transfer to the Sun Belt Conference for all sports. Prior to accepting the Sun Belt’s invitation, leaders at Louisiana Tech retained Collegiate Consulting to complete a comprehensive Conference Membership Study in support of their internal discussions.
The study focused on assessing sports sponsorship, travel considerations,
conference competitiveness, institutional alignment, line-item athletic expenses (scholarships, operating budgets, staffing) and external sources of revenue. Collegiate Consulting also analyzed divisional alignment and potential scheduling options as part of their study.
The study determined that Louisiana Tech is well positioned for membership in the Sun Belt based on institutional and athletic alignment. Its location in northern Louisiana places it within a central footprint of the conference, offering geographic efficiency and reduced travel demands. Louisiana Tech athletic financial aid expenditures are consistent with the Sun Belt averages; and men’s sports operating budgets consistently rank near or above the conference
median.
Quick Bytes
- U.S. House of Representatives committees vote to advance SCORE Act
- U.S. Olympic effectively prohibits transgender women from competing in
women’s sports - House attorneys & NCAA/Power conferences to allow NIL collective deals
to be treated like third-party deals - NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approves use of real-time underwater
camera video in swimming - DIII Strategic Planning and Finance Committee recommends increases in
per diems - Definition of boosters as businesses may affect student-athlete pay
- Private nonprofit college operating margins shrink to lowest level in more
than a decade - College Sports Commission releases list of revenue-sharing schools; nine
Division II/III schools that participate in DI chose to opt in - DII Membership Committee requests the NCAA draft language to provide
flexibility in creating new league - Executive order on NCAA athletes’ employment status considered, drafted
- Power Four wants more control of NCAA governance, polling suggests rest
of DI not supportive - NCAA President releases letter outlining need for staff reductions &
reassignment within organization - One Big Beautiful Bill contains significant implications for athletic
departments - NCAA acrobatics & tumbling, stunt emerge together
- New report: Young alumni are increasingly opting for premium
experiences at higher rate than older peers
What's the Word?
Thirteen member-institutions advanced in the Football Bowl Subdivision/Division I reclassification process; Eight of those schools are Collegiate Consulting partners that used completed Feasibility Studies for guidance.
Kennesaw State University advanced to full FBS membership status effective August 1, 2025, following the institution’s successful completion of its second year reclassification report. Additionally, the committee approved Missouri State University, advancing to the second year of the FBS transition process. Collegiate Consulting provided FBS Feasibility Studies for both institutions and assisted with their FBS reclassification requirements.
Stonehill College and Queen’s University of Charlotte were approved for active
Division I status, beginning August 1, 2025. Collegiate Consulting assisted both institutions, providing a comprehensive DI Feasibility Study and assisting with securing their respective conference invitations.
The University of New Haven was accepted to start the Division I reclassification process; and LeMoyne College (year three); Mercyhurst University (year two); and the University of West Georgia (year two) have advanced in their reclassification process toward active DI membership. Collegiate Consulting provided DI Feasibility Studies for each institution; assisted with conference membership invitation and provided support for their reclassification requirements.
Aggregated Economic Info Provides Perspective
Collegiate Consulting’s Economic Valuation Studies are proving invaluable for institutions looking to get a comprehensive understanding of their values. Our studies use conservative estimates and industry-standard economic models, including advertising value equivalency (AVE) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ RIMS II multiplier, to determine both direct and indirect impact. They often account for student-athlete volunteerism and other intangibles.
In addition to financial data, reports highlight strength of a program’s national exposure. This includes television and other traditional media, along with social media reach.
As we continue to partner with institutions of varying size and conference competition level, we are excited to explore opportunities for each new and existing clients. There are several moving pieces to research that gives our university partners an expanded perspective for potential excellence.
We thrive on connection with our college athletic community, and we seek to
champion their notable actions and achievements.
Please follow us so we can celebrate and elevate each other together.
