In a landmark year for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the league distributed a record $1.03 billion to its 16 member universities for the 2024-25 fiscal year. However, the Texas Longhorns found themselves with a notably smaller piece of the pie in their inaugural year as a conference member.
While established SEC schools received average distributions exceeding $70 million, Texas and Oklahoma, who officially joined on July 1, 2024, did not enjoy full television revenue shares. Texas received about $12.1 million, primarily from postseason distributions, rather than the full media rights payout.
This financial disparity was a calculated move by the Longhorns, who chose to enter the SEC a year early, knowingly forgoing a full year of television revenue. University officials, including Texas Athletics Director Chris Del Conte, have stood by this strategic decision.
“We were aware we wouldn’t receive TV money in our first year,” Del Conte explained to local media. “Entering early meant no TV dollars, but we planned for it.”
The athletics department anticipated a $47 million deficit and strategically incorporated it into their budget before the move. Del Conte praised the athletics business office for narrowing the gap, reducing the shortfall to $26.7 million.
“We had reserves set aside for this expected loss, and the decision was intentional, not reactionary,” Del Conte added.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey highlighted the league’s revenue sharing model, which supports elite athletics programs, including investments in women’s and Olympic sports, while advancing both academic and athletic goals for student-athletes.
Texas’ first year in the SEC underscores the financial challenges that can accompany conference realignment. While established members enjoyed full shares, Texas absorbed a reduced payout as part of its swift transition, showcasing the short-term costs tied to long-term strategic positioning within the conference.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns and Sooners are set to receive full shares in the 2025-26 fiscal year, marking a new chapter in their SEC journey.