The landscape of college sports is shifting fast. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are everywhere, and the transfer portal is buzzing with activity.
Major boosters—those folks who’ve kept college athletics afloat for years—are starting to rethink their generosity. Dan Stroh, who’s been part of Colorado’s Buffs Club for ages, recently shared his frustrations, and it feels like a lot of boosters are nodding along.
As loyalty between players and universities thins out, boosters want their money to matter. They’re searching for ways to invest that feel more meaningful, or at least less fleeting.
This all raises a big question: How will college athletics fund itself as everything changes? Some, like Utah, are trying out private equity deals that could completely upend the old system.
The Evolving Role of Boosters in College Sports
Boosters have always been key to college sports, pouring in money for scholarships and facilities. Their support has kept teams competitive and campuses buzzing.
But NIL deals and the transfer portal have thrown a wrench into the old way of doing things. Players used to stick around for four or five years, building ties with their schools.
Now, it’s a different game. Players chase bigger paydays and better offers, hopping from school to school. That kind of movement makes it tough for boosters to feel connected.
Dan Stroh’s Stand: A Reflection of Growing Discontent
Dan Stroh’s been with Colorado’s Buffs Club for over 40 years, but lately, he’s had enough. In an interview with The Denver Post, he said he won’t keep writing checks for players who might bolt tomorrow.
His line—*No allegiance, no money*—pretty much sums up what a lot of boosters are thinking. The old sense of partnership feels like it’s fading.
Plenty of boosters are asking themselves if their money is really making a difference. Supporting athletes who might leave at any time just doesn’t feel the same.
The Unsustainable Nature of Current NIL Practices
Stroh’s not alone in his worries. Even big names like former Alabama coach Nick Saban have called the current NIL system unsustainable.
All this new money has made things unpredictable. Players are always on the move, chasing whatever comes next, and it leaves boosters feeling left out.
Boosters want more than just a return on their money. They want pride, connection, maybe even a little legacy. But with athletes coming and going, that’s a pretty tall order.
Private Equity Deals: A New Financial Model
Some schools are trying something different. The University of Utah, for example, has set up a private equity deal that could change the game.
Utah’s created Utah Brands & Entertainment LLC, a for-profit company that wraps up ticketing, concessions, sponsorships, licensing, and media rights under one roof.
This new setup means Utah can manage its main revenue streams in one place. The idea is to build a sturdier financial base for the athletics department.
Otro Capital, co-founded by Alec Scheiner, has come on board as a minority partner. Scheiner’s got NFL experience, so he knows a thing or two about big-league sports business.
With this partnership, Utah gets an immediate cash boost. It could end up being one of the best-funded athletic departments out there.
The Future of Booster Contributions
With NIL changing everything, the old booster model doesn’t really work anymore. Boosters are hunting for ways to make a real, lasting impact.
Utah’s private equity approach gives them a chance to back something long-term, not just the next star athlete. That’s a shift that might appeal to folks who want their money to stick around.
By pooling revenue and working with seasoned investors, schools can keep their athletic programs strong—even when the ground keeps moving under their feet.
Embracing Change for a Sustainable Future
The shift in booster contributions feels like a real turning point for college athletics. That old sense of loyalty between players and their universities? It’s definitely not what it used to be.
Boosters are out there, looking for fresh ways to put their money to work. The private equity model seems like it could actually work. It’s a more meaningful way to support college sports, at least in theory.
Curious about how booster contributions are changing in the NIL era? Check out Heartland College Sports for a deeper dive.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
