NILnomics

Welcome to @NILnomics — a newsletter at the intersection of college sports, finance, and data. NILnomics is an independent, data-driven newsletter uncovering the real numbers behind college sports finances with sharp insights, clear visuals, and exclusive datasets.

It's always flashy to throw numbers out there and try to gain a following on hype. Harder to do the work to procure the actual data, clean it, analyze it, and present it to an audience. Maybe this is why it took me ten years to earn my PhD. Good work takes time.

@readDanwrite @DavidCovucci 👀

Ole Miss spent the most on fireworks last CFB season: $212k. significantly more than No. 2... Rutgers (!) at $156k. No. 3: Belichick's UNC. via FOIAball @DavidCovucci, chart via @NILnomics foiaball.com/p/college-foot…

Read it all here: nilnomics.com/p/men-s-march-…

If you want to see the visuals, the full analysis, and access to the dataset I built, check out the latest issue of NILnomics. Link in the replies.

The resource gap gets even clearer when comparing power programs to mid-majors. Example: • @Vol_Hoops spends nearly $20M more than @northerniowa, the best-resourced mid-major in the dataset. But some mid-majors still outspend parts of the G6.

I collected newly released FY2025 NCAA financial reports (via public records requests) and built a dataset of per-team operating expenses across Division I. A few quick takeaways: • Several @sec programs spend $20M+ on men’s basketball • No @bigten team cracks $20M

It’s March, which means brackets and buzzer beaters. But how much does it actually cost to compete in men’s college basketball? In the newest issue of NILnomics, I dug into NCAA financial reports to analyze who’s spending the most—and who’s turning resources into wins. 🏀📊

@ShannonTerry This was very helpful. @NILnomics will continue to double down on what we do best - data driven analysis of the business of college sports. Hope to cross paths work you down the line!

@NILnomics x @barstoolsports - the collab you never saw coming...

We're out in the wild. Give it a read.

Big news today. After 10 years of work I will finally be defending my dissertation. This is the culmination of so much time and energy and I can't wait to share what I've done with everybody. If you want to see a rigorous, empirical investigation into the NCAA's policies and whether those dire warnings of college footballs' demise due to player compensation came true, tune in. Link to register below👇

EIC @gregchickphd was quoted in this fascinating article in @DavidCovucci - worth a read.

@ShannonTerry @getsocialpruf @On3 @CFBONFOX @PeteThamel @Hayesfawcett3 @_willcompton @Rivals @JoshPateCFB @ESPNCFB @PeteNakos @Brett_McMurphy @TransferPortal Look we may not be top 20 but who else is making charts like this?

Top 20 College Sports Influencers for 2025 on X according to @getsocialpruf. (Brands and Creators) 1. @On3 2. @CFBONFOX 3. @PeteThamel 4. @Hayesfawcett3 5. @_willcompton 6. @Rivals 7. @JoshPateCFB 8. @ESPNCFB 9. @PeteNakos 10. @Brett_McMurphy 11. @TransferPortal 12. @JoeTipton 13. @RossDellenger 14. @PFF_College 15. @mzenitz 16. @KirkHerbstreit 17. @TaylorLewan77 18. @BrooksAustinBA 19. @AriWasserman 20. @jdpickell *** On3 Assets 5.9B of the 10.9B X impressions in 2025, representing 53% market share of the conversation (doesnt include Pate and Dellenger who also work for other brands).

@LDirectorsCup Here's this weeks newest issue. If you like it - consider subscribing. It's free! nilnomics.com/p/the-learfiel…

The @LDirectorsCup rewards schools for doing what Title IX already requires them to do — then hands them a trophy for it. Genuine measure of excellence or college sports’ most expensive participation trophy? The data says it’s both. Full breakdown in this week’s NILnomics 👇

@UNC leads the 2025-26 @LDirectorsCup after the Fall standings. It’s college sports’ award for comprehensive athletic excellence across 19 sports. But athletic directors created this award in 1993 to celebrate… themselves. 🧵