Granted, this data is at least a couple of years old but I think it shows a symptom.
US Dept. of Education Equity in Athletics
2021-2022 school year
Men's Basketball Budget
Illinois St. - $3.78 million
Northern Iowa - $3.5 million
Bradley - $3.41 million
Drake - $3.34 million
Belmont - $3.33 million
Evansville - $2.94 million
Indiana St. - $2.65 million
Murray St. - $2.62 million
Valparaiso - $2.60 million
Illinois-Chicago - $2.51 million
SIU - $2.22 million
@obd Although this is 2 years old, it shows where we are in terms of supporting our teams. i don't think it has changed that much where we have jumped to the top 4!
People need to see this...thanks for posting!
@obd Although this is 2 years old, it shows where we are in terms of supporting our teams. i don't think it has changed that much where we have jumped to the top 4!
I believe you are correct, our donating has been stagnant largely due to a lack of post-season play and developing a new loving fan base.
The Athletic Directorship (before the return of Tommy Bell) did their best to alienate some of the donors who took their funds elsewhere.
Those donors that dropped off have not been replaced.
So, by the looks of this, SIU is about a million bucks a year short of where it probably needs to be? Just to be average...
Would love to hear from someone within Athletics to tell us if these numbers are way off now.
OBD Since you are an admin on this site send Tim Leonard email address is siuad@siu.edu and also send Austin Lane an email at chancellor@siu.edu Then post the responses on this website. Would be curious to hear their answers.
@mdogs1 I am only an admin to keep away the Chinese. That's more of a @barkeep-1967 or @saluki-69 thing.
Is they merely school funding or does that include donor money as well?
Is they merely school funding or does that include donor money as well?
This the budget for the program, whether the money came from donors, student fees or the state of Illinois.
Sounds like lack of funding is the problem at Indiana State.
😜 🙄 🙄 🙄
Illinois State at Abnormal is nearly double in total enrollment compared to our beloved SIU. Therefore, their athletic budget is nearly double in comparison to SIUC. Besides enrollment, I am curious what others think are contributing factors. Location, size of community, donors, state allocated dollars etc.? At least in their case, it has not produced winning programs in main sports such as football, and men's basketball.
I am not entirely bought in to the idea that budget, lack of facilities, or NIL dollars are the main issue for our programs. Our non-revenue athletic teams continue to exceed. Softball is a top 25 program. It certainly does not seem that Nick Hill has had many issues with recruitment, the portal, or NIL. Perhaps reaching the national playoffs, and winning a few games has promoted this?
I believe that Mr. Leonard has stated numerous times, that he has been working on securing/improving funds for athletics since his arrival just a year and a half ago. Perhaps we all need to give a bit more to athletics, instead of waiting for others to step up? Purchase season tickets, donate to SASF, and buy tickets through SIU when your favorite team is on the road. This all benefits athletics in a most positive way.
To be fair, those numbers (which came out last May) were compiled before AD Leonard got here. At that point, who knows who was in charge between Chancellor Lane, Jerry Kill, Matt Kupec or any other number of people. I'd like to think that maybe some things have improved since AD Leonard got to Carbondale.
I agree with OBD, I also know significant fundraising has occurred in the last 24 months. I highly doubt our budget is in the bottom quadrant of the MVC.
For us not in tune with how the budget works can someone clarify what the budget covers thanks in advance this might be a clearer picture of how we compare to the other schools
