The Southeastern Conference totaled approximately $596.9 million in revenue for the 2016-17 fiscal year, commissioner Greg Sankey announced Thursday afternoon.
The revenue was split evenly among the conference's 14 schools, averaging $40.9 million per institution.
“This distribution from the SEC is instrumental to our universities’ athletics programs' ability to provide the highest possible level of support for the thousands of student-athletes who participate annually in nearly two dozen conference sports,” Sankey said.“This commitment to excellence encompasses superior support in coaching, equipment, training, academic counseling, medical care and life-skills development for our student-athletes."
The total amount from the fiscal year, which ended Aug. 31, 2017, derived from TV deals, bowl games, the College Football Playoff, SEC Football Championship, SEC Men's Basketball Tournament, NCAA title games and a "supplemental surplus distribution."
The conference's revenue increased from the $584.2 million gathered in 2015-16.
“The revenues generated from SEC sports are instrumental to advancing the academic missions of our 14 member institutions,” Sankey said. “Whether in the direct transfer of funds, in assistance with the construction and renovation of academic facilities or in support of academic scholarship opportunities or academic programs, these distributions are designed to provide each university with the flexibility to invest in unique and significant ways that provide positive outcomes across their respective campuses.”
Over 7,800 student-athletes play in the SEC, with 5,400-plus receiving financial aid from their institution.
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