(Ames) Iowa State University Athletic Director Jamie Pollard sent out a letter reflecting back on the 2024 sports season, and what lies ahead to finance ISU’s athletic programs in 2025 and beyond.
Pollard says as we reflect on 2024, we are grateful for the remarkable achievements of Cyclone Athletics. From our football team’s record-breaking season and thrilling Pop-Tarts Bowl victory to our nationally ranked basketball programs, the resurgence of our wrestling team, and the men’s cross country team’s national runner-up finish, it’s been an exciting year. Our student-athletes also excelled academically and in the community, making it a proud time to be a Cyclone.
These successes wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from our alums, donors, ticket holders, and fans. On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, thank you.
Looking ahead to 2025, we face the most transformative period in intercollegiate athletics. With changes in conference realignment, the college football playoff system, the transfer portal, and revenue sharing with student-athletes, the financial pressures are greater than ever.
Our athletics program is also feeling this pressure. The cost to fund the department will increase by over 20% in 2025 (approximately $20M) due to new revenue-sharing models, securing long-term contracts for Coach Campbell and Coach Otzelberger, and changes in revenue distributions from the Big 12 Conference and College Football Playoff.
We’ve worked closely with Dr. Wintersteen and her leadership team to develop strategies to secure the future of our athletics program. However, to continue competing at the highest level, we must make tough, and sometimes unpopular, decisions.
To address the $20M increase in expenses, we are raising Cyclone Club giving levels by 20% starting with the 2025 drive year. You’ll receive your renewal notice in February. Additionally, we will add state sales tax on all ticket sales starting in Fall 2025, aligning with other Big 12 institutions. Women’s basketball season ticket prices will increase from $199 to $249 to reflect demand and fund revenue sharing with student-athletes. We will also ask our coaches and department heads to reduce annual budgets by 10%.
Despite these challenges, our athletics program is thriving. Attendance at events is at an all-time high, we’ve secured top coaches, and the Big 12 Conference is pursuing new revenue opportunities. We’re also excited about the progress on CyTown, which will generate both direct and indirect revenue for athletics.
