UW athletic department reports $863,136 budget deficit

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Wednesday, April 20, 2016 7:16pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — The University of Washington athletic department generated more revenue than ever during the 2014-15 fiscal year.

But it spent even more.

According to USA Today’s updated database of college athletics finances, UW reported a deficit of $863,136 for the July 2014 through June 2015 fiscal year — a record-high $103,540,117 in revenues, and a record-high $104,403,253 in expenses.

USA Today’s records indicate that UW paid $22,095,937 in “facilities/overhead” costs, compared to just a little more than $4 million in 2013-14. The school projected in 2013 that its annual debt service to fund the renovation of Husky Stadium with 30-year bonds would be roughly $14.3 million, which accounts for a significant portion of the increase. UW’s athletic department expenses totaled just more than $86 million in 2013-14, when the school reported a budget surplus of a little more than $14 million.

Filling the new stadium is another issue, interim athletic director Jennifer Cohen told the News Tribune during an interview on Wednesday. UW reported total ticket sales of nearly $28.5 million in 2013-14, but a little less than $24.8 million in 2014-15.

UW averaged 61,919 fans per home football game last season, down from 64,508 in 2014 and 68,769 in 2013, the year the new stadium opened. Improving attendance in 2016 is one of the department’s biggest priorities.

“Our gate is not where it needs to be in football,” Cohen said. “Our ability to fill this stadium is the single-most important thing we can do for all of our programs to be successful. So that is my job, 24/7, is to be thinking about that, focusing on that, and certainly if we could improve that situation over the course of the next couple years, our financial outlook will look different than it looks today.”

Huskies fine in APR

The NCAA on Wednesday released its most recent Academic Progress Rate (APR) data, and each of the University of Washington’s sports programs remain above the minimum needed to avoid penalty.

The UW football team ranks third among Pac-12 schools with a four-year average score of 974, and the men’s basketball team, despite a poor single-year score of 893 for the 2014-15 academic year — four players transferred from the program during that year and one was dismissed, which likely accounts for the dip — still has a four-year average score of 971, which is good for fifth in the conference.

The contract of UW football coach Chris Petersen includes a guaranteed bonus of $125,000 if the Huskies maintain an APR score of 970 or better. If their score is 950 or better, he receives $50,000, and if the score is 960 or better, the bonus is $75,000.

Men’s basketball coach Lorenzo Romar receives a bonus of $10,000 if UW’s team APR is “equal to or greater than the most recently published national average for Division 1 men’s basketball teams,” per his contract. The average APR score for a Division 1 men’s basketball team is 964, according to the most recent data, so it appears Romar will earn that bonus.

Extra points

Third-year sophomore right tackle Kaleb McGary, who has sat out of the last several spring practices while recovering from an apparent knee injury, suited up in pads on Wednesday and went through early position drills. The Fife native did not participate in any team sessions, however. … Sophomore cornerback Jordan Miller snagged his fifth interception of the spring on Wednesday. … UW’s final spring practice will be held 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Husky Stadium and broadcast live on Pac-12 Networks. It is also open to the public, and admission is free.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.