The University of Wisconsin athletic department’s expenses are set to rise 16% for the 2025-26 school year, setting another record high as it starts sharing revenue with players, the Wisconsin State Journal reports.
Wisconsin’s current plan, which was unanimously approved by an Athletic Board committee on Monday, requests approval for a budget with $198.895 million in expenses for the upcoming season. The Badgers are expected to add nearly $28 million in expenses for the 2026 fiscal year following the approval of the former record high $170.942 million budget for 2024-25. Most of the increase is attributed to revenue sharing with athletes, likely to start in July.
Wisconsin officials in planning the budget have assumed that the settlement of antitrust cases against the NCAA and major conferences will receive final approval. Federal Judge Claudia Wilken said April 7 at a final hearing that she will issue a formal ruling after issues are settled regarding roster limits and the impact on future athletes.
If the terms remain as initially agreed, Wisconsin and other schools that are opting in to the terms of the settlement will be able spend up to $20.5 million next season on direct payment to players to use their name, image and likeness.
