The University of Kentucky made more than $44 million last year by being in the SEC
The University of Kentucky received more than $44 million for being a member of the Southeastern Conference last year.
The SEC office announced Thursday that a total of approximately $651 million attained during the 2018-19 fiscal year was divided evenly among the 14 schools in the conference. The 2018-19 fiscal year ended on Aug. 31, and resulted in each member school receiving “slightly over” $44.6 million.
That amount includes $624.2 million distributed from the conference acquired through various postseason events hosted by the league and the NCAA, as well as $26.8 million retained by football teams that participated in bowl games during the 2018 season.
Of the whole total, the Kentucky football team contributed a little more than $4.2 million by virtue of making the Citrus Bowl, more than any SEC team outside of those participating in the College Football Playoff revenue bowls that season (Alabama, Georgia and LSU).
The 2018-19 fiscal year distribution was about $1.5 million higher than the $43.1 million distributed to each school after the 2017-18 fiscal year.
“In addition to supporting the overall student-athlete experience, revenues generated through SEC athletics can contribute in significant ways to the academic missions of the conference’s 14 universities,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a news release. “These distributions provide each university the opportunity to make a positive impact on their respective campuses in ways unique to each institution.”
