Report: Georgia athletics seeks approval for record $162.5 million budget

On3 imageby:Griffin McVeigh•05/17/22•

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After winning the national championship in January, the University of Georgia is seeking approval for a record budget within its athletics program. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the number is projected to be around $162.5 million, increasing it by $12 million.

While the exact number has not been released by Georgia athletics, the athletic board’s finance committee said the budget will increase by 8%. Based on the number released from last year’s fiscal year, the AJC was able to work out the numbers.

“We are expecting just under an 8% increase in our revenue for 2023,” Stephanie Ransom, UGA’s deputy athletic director for business operations, said via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “That includes a neutral-site football game against Oregon in Atlanta. We have a small uptick in the William C. Hartman Fund due to the excitement of the football season, and the SEC distribution is expected to increase.”

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Georgia will begin their 2022 season against Oregon in the Chick Fil A Kickoff game within the home state. Taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 3, the Bulldogs and Ducks will both make $5 million off the nonconference matchup. There are plenty of on-the-field reasons as to why the two programs are facing off but the revenue is another key factor.

Across the country, Georgia is one of the top spenders when it comes to the football program. Their recruiting budget is one of the tops in the sport and has a deep staff for head coach Kirby Smart. According to last year’s numbers, the Bulldogs spent around $36 million on football. Everything ended up paying off at the end of the season with a College Football Playoff national championship trophy coming back to Athens.

Of course, there is more to athletics than just football. Georgia has hired a few new coaches across their Olympic sports, with men’s basketball’s Mike White being the biggest name. Others include track, soccer, softball, and women’s basketball.