The University of Colorado’s upcoming football season is highlighted by a reported $24 million in ticket revenue for 2024-25. This represents a 23% decline year-over-year during head coach Deion Sanders’ second season, despite notable improvements on the field from his initial year in Boulder.
With a 9-4 record capped by a close loss in the Alamo Bowl, the Buffaloes drew an average of 52,514 fans across six home games this past season.
For comparison, Colorado achieved $31.2 million in ticket sales for the 2023-24 season. In that year, the Buffaloes recorded a 4-8 outcome, finishing last in the Pac-12. Interestingly, they set a program attendance record, averaging 53,180 fans per home game, a 24% increase from the previous year.
A CU spokesperson noted that fluctuations in seat contribution prices account for changes in overall ticket revenue. The decline from FY24 to FY25 largely stems from a lower commission from its third-party ticketing partner.
Operating expenses for football rose from $38.5 million in FY24 to $42.8 million in FY25. Meanwhile, total football operating revenues saw an increase from $65.7 million to $69.3 million, with CU paying $14.4 million to its football coaching staff, up from $12.5 million.
After key players like quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter left for the NFL, CU faced challenges, ending the recent season with a 3-8 record. Average home game attendance dipped slightly to 50,469.
Despite these challenges, Colorado’s total athletics operating revenues rose to $161.7 million in FY25, up from $146.6 million the previous year. Part of this increase is attributed to variations in how the NCAA Member Financial Reporting System categorizes specific line items, such as contributions. Expenses also escalated, increasing from $138.3 million to $161.5 million.
Earlier this month, Colorado welcomed its new athletic director, Fernando Lovo, who succeeds longtime AD Rick George.
In March, the university extended Sanders’ contract through 2029, boosting his annual base salary to a leading $10 million per year within the Big 12. Sanders has dealt with significant health issues in recent years, including a bladder cancer diagnosis revealed during a press conference last July.
Looking ahead, Colorado is set to kick off next season’s non-conference football schedule on the road in Atlanta. This matchup marks the continuation of a home-and-home series with Georgia Tech, followed by home games against Weber State and Northwestern in Boulder.
(This story has been updated with comment from Colorado.)
