March 2026
Collegiate Consulting Study: SIUE Athletics, March Madness Appearance Generates Millions in Media Exposure & Economic Impact
SIUE Athletics produced nearly $250 million dollars in economic impact and advertising value over the past four years (FY22-FY25), according to a recent study conducted by Collegiate Consulting. The study highlights economic, media, and branding benefits for the university, the City of Edwardsville, the Metro East, and the broader regional media market.
The study included an examination and analysis of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to media exposure, brand visibility, net tuition, event visitor data, student-athlete volunteerism, academic institutional impact and others. Each factor was calculated utilizing category-specific direct and indirect multipliers to create conservative calculations for compiling the value of intercollegiate athletics.
Lawrence Announces New Asst. VP for Athletics after Collegiate Consulting Search Concludes
Lawrence University names Cardinal Grange consultant/former Saint Francis (DI) AD James Downer as its new Asst. VP for Athletics starting April 13. President Laurie Carter: “With his record of success in athletics administration, James will be a valuable addition to Lawrence’s leadership team. His passion for the liberal arts and commitment to preparing student-athletes to thrive both in their sports and in the classroom will continue to strengthen our flourishing athletics program.” Collegiate Consulting assisted with the process.
Quick Bytes
- White House staff working on executive order to be released with goal of creating SCORE Act movement; NCAA President after roundtable: ‘It was good to hear so many speakers advocate for the SCORE Act‘
- Senators submit legislation to amend Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 with incentives to increase media revenue
- College presidents navigate political pressure, financial uncertainty & rapid technological advancement as AI use expands
- Extra Points aggregates data on how much it costs to ‘make a run’ in March Madness
- Athletics Integrity Unit enhancing ability to combat doping, ethical violations with introduction of new tool
- Chart with every DII basketball program’s attendance, win percentage & arena capacity released
- Public colleges face financial stress as state budgets struggle to adapt to federal policy shifts
- New NCAA ad spot calls attention to protecting student-athletes from sports betting harms
- Kansas Board of Regents opposes bill granting unprecedented administrative autonomy
- Recent salary snapshot highlights compensation landscape for athletic trainers within D1-AAA institutions
- DII Championships Committee alters long-range budget to increase travel budget by 2% per year, down from previous 5%
- Minnesota Law Review article explores complex legal, ethical implications of private equity entering college sports ecosystem
- Recent anonymous survey of football front-office staffers paints chaotic picture of consolidated January transfer portal window
- ESPN: Suspicious college basketball wagering activity has largely subsided this year
- Live Nation reaches settlement with DOJ, deal requires company to pay approximately $200M in damages to participating states
- DII and DIII Playing Rules Oversight Panel recommends all sport committees determine proper placement for commercial logos
Madness Aside, March Also Celebrates Women
As we continue to support and laud women’s sports, especially during Women’s History Month, it’s increasingly important to look at the rising participation and the increasing opportunities so many of our pioneers made possible. The NCAA’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of Title IX nears its culmination at the combined Women’s Final Four in Dallas, it’s worth looking at the recent trends for women in college sports.
Here are some salient statistics courtesy of the NCAA
With Research & Evaluation, Collegiate Consulting Studies Assist with Crucial Decisions
Collegiate Consulting bases its business philosophy on three basic principle: Innovation and creativity, Great attention to detail and unparalleled dedication to customer service. Whether it is changing divisions, adding sports or moving conferences, Collegiate Consulting provides institutional Feasibility Studies to ensure positive financial and non-financial impacts to your institution and your athletes.
Transitions through a major process can be tricky, but Collegiate Consulting will guide you through each step of the way. Examining where you are is the first step, positioning where you could go is
immeasurable. Seamless navigation is the key to allow for predictable success.
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. Several moving pieces to research give 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.
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