Football program profited $46.5 million in 2015

The University of Alabama football program profited nearly $46.5 million in 2015, according to a financial report filed by the university to the NCAA and obtained by The Tuscaloosa News.
To no surprise, the football program kept the entire athletic department in the black with total revenues of nearly $100 million, specifically $95,132,301 with incurred expenditures that totaled $48,640,971. That profit of $46,491,330 was down nearly $7 million from 2014.

Part of the reason why might be two lengthy trips to Dallas and Glendale, Ariz., for the College Football Playoffs, including the seminfinal and national championship games.

Media rights fees brought in by the football program, including broadcasting fees from television, radio, and Internet and digital, were more than $20 million. Those rights also included the revenues from the SEC Network.

A total of $37 million was profited from ticket sales and almost $20 million in privates contributions.

Staff salaries, including for head coach Nick Saban’s salary, nine assistant coaches and all support staff and administration, totaled $18,055,483, which also incorporates bonuses. That total rose from $15,490,459 a year before.

The university paid Saban $7,969,113, including bonuses.

Recruiting expenses rose to $1,315,030 in 2015.

Overall, the athletic department profited approximately $16.6 million with total operating revenues of $148.9 million and total expenses of $132.3 million. In 2014, total revenues were $153.2 million with expenses of $129.3.

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.