Why We Need Your Help
Athletics is the Window Through Which the University is Often Viewed
Athletic competition and athletic success is important to the University of Missouri. Financial stability in athletics ultimately breeds success and success breeds pride among our many alumni and friends. Studies have shown that winning – more importantly, winning the “right way” (in compliance with NCAA rules and with great team effort) – can be a tremendous recruiting tool for the general student population as well as for potential student-athletes. In addition, athletic accomplishments often provide an invaluable public relations “advertisement” for Mizzou while also serving as a catalyst for philanthropy to all areas of the University.
Self-Supporting Athletics Department
The University of Missouri does not receive state appropriated funds to operate its intercollegiate athletics program. Thus, similar to private business, the Mizzou Athletics Department must operate solely from what revenue it generates.
Gender Equity
Title IX states that an athletic program must provide equitable facilities, scholarship funding, and participation percentages for women’s sports in relation to men’s sports. MU has made a firm commitment to the participation and success of our women’s programs. This commitment is evident in the recent national rankings of our softball, volleyball, golf, soccer, swimming and gymnastics teams. Currently, MU sponsors 11 women’s varsity sports with 148 student-athletes receiving scholarship aid accounting for 45% of the overall scholarship budget.
Season Ticket and Television Revenue is Not Enough
Football and men’s basketball season ticket and television revenues are not enough to adequately support the total intercollegiate athletics program. Rising scholarship costs, escalating team travel expenses, and the need for modern facilities require that new sources of revenue be discovered.
Last updated: April 3, 2008