Florida State ranks second highest in football spending amongst NCAA Division I schools
Florida State continues to spare no expense when it comes to chasing success in football.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, FSU spent $76.5 million on the football program for the fiscal year 2023. This is the highest spending in the ACC and second nationally behind Alabama, which spent $79.8 million, according to one analyst.
The spending is a $21 million increase from the last fiscal year. At the same time, FSU can boast $92 million in revenue from its football program.
Strategy and analytic consultant Tony Altimore posted this data on his X page, along with all other NCAA Division I schools and conferences. The Tallahassee Democrat reached out to Altimore about FSU’s investment, and he gave his thoughts.
“FSU is really making smart decisions to try and double down in investing in future sports success,” Altimore told the Tallahassee Democrat. “We see that in their football spending, their facilities investments, and across the board.”
Some of FSU’s investments include renovating Doak Campbell Stadium. The stadium is expected to lower its seating capacity. However, there will be more comfortable and luxury seating options for the fans. Reportedly, 75 percent of the premium seats are sold out.
During the Seminoles' Spring Showcase, the west side of Doak was torn down. It will be replaced with temporary bleachers in the 2024 season.
The new look Doak is expected to be ready before the Seminoles home opener against Alabama in 2025.
FSU is also renovating its practice facilities in an effort to make the school's facilities some of the best in college football.
Varsity Teams | Men's Teams | Women's Teams | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Basketball | $13,990,511 | $5,707,039 | $19,697,550 |
Football | $76,501,138 | N/A | $76,501,138 |
Total Expenses of all Sports, Except Football and Basketball, Combined | $14,912,586 | $19,379,711 | $34,292,297 |
Total Expenses Men's and Women's Teams | $105,404,235 | $25,086,750 | $130,490,985 |
Varsity Teams | Men's Teams | Women's Teams | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Basketball | $19,065,253 | $5,707,039 | $24,772,292 |
Football | $91,911,513 | N/A | $91,911,513 |
Total Revenues of all Sports, Except Football and Basketball, Combined | $14,912,586 | $19,379,711 | $34,292,297 |
Total Revenues Men's and Women's Teams | $125,889,352 | $25,086,750 | $150,976,102 |
Altimore gave his viewpoint about what schools should prioritize when investing in athletic programs.
“Every school has to decide what they can afford, and what they should invest in, but schools with huge subsidies that are being paid by the academic side of the house need to look in the mirror and make sure they're spending within their means,” Altimore said.
By law, all co-ed schools that receive federal funding must file a financial disclosure report to the Department of Education before publicizing the data.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football ranks second in spending, according to new data
