University of Florida Athletics to Continue Contributing to Academics

In a recent Orland Sentinel article, the University of Florida athletic department is planning to contribute financially to the greater university to help weather the current economic downturn. The article noted that UF athletics has provided around $45 million to academics since 1990, an average of $2.4 million per year. Recent revenues for UF athletics include a $100-million marketing package with Sun Sports and significant TV deals with ESPN and CBS, helping it create long-term revenue steams that escape most other college athletics programs. Even though UF athletics has a positive financial outlook, Athletics Director Jeremy Foley is considering cutting the budget for 2010 while giving back to the university.