Our Game Plan
A Historic Financial Challenge is Upon Us
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Michigan Athletics is navigating a historic financial challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While our fiscal situation is unlike anything we have experienced, our resolve remains unchanged: to support our more than 900 student-athletes who entrusted us with their education, athletic opportunities, and future careers when they chose the University of Michigan.
Given the anticipated loss of revenue our department faces an unparalleled level of financial uncertainty. As a direct result of COVID-19, we budgeted $61 million less in revenues this year which could easily double if the decision is made not to play any sports. In addition, we are also facing significant costs related to safely returning our student-athletes and staff to campus with COVID-19 protocols in place.
Help us navigate this historic financial challenge by transferring your previous
PSC and season ticket payment to the Champions fund.
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While our fiscal situation is unlike anything we have experienced, our resolve remains unchanged: to support our more than 900 student-athletes.
How You Can Make a Difference
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Time and time again our fans have stepped up to cheer on our student-athletes and we are asking you to step up once again. We are asking season ticket holders to convert their previous PSC/season ticket payments towards a tax-deductible gift to the Champions Fund.
As a gesture of gratitude for those converting payments to a tax-deductible gift, season ticket holders can receive benefits such as a 20% reduced PSC/season ticket amount for next season and a 100 priority point bonus (equivalent to a $10,000 donation to Michigan Athletics).
Take advantage of the PSC/Season Ticket Donation Options and advantages below.
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Budget Impact
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As a direct result of COVID-19 and the revenue loss due to limited capacity at sporting events, we budgeted $61 million less in revenues than originally planned. We have also implemented wide ranging cost-saving measures to reduce our anticipated budget deficit to $26.1 million for this fiscal year.
Your contribution will support our department and the primary areas of: counseling, career and leadership development, nutrition, athletic medicine, strength and conditioning, international travel and recruiting our student-athletes need to succeed.
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What We Are Doing
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Our athletic department has implemented wide ranging cost-saving measures to reduce our expenditures this fiscal year. Some of these measures include:
- Approximately $10.9M or 28% reduction in team and game expenses compared to previous years; primarily related to reductions in team travel, recruiting, supplemental nutrition, equipment and other team expenses
- Approximately $3.8M or 25% reduction in operating expenses as compared to previous years, primarily due to reductions in administrative travel, professional development, and expenses associated with hosting home athletic events
- Nearly $4M in department-wide salary reductions
- Delaying all significant capital and construction projects
- Eliminating annual contribution to facility deferred maintenance fund, initially budgeted for $6M
- Year-long hiring freeze for non-essential positions
Your support will ensure the support our student athletes
need to be successful on and off the field.
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We thank you for your consideration and your loyal support of our department and more importantly, our student-athletes. Go Blue!
Warde Manuel
Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics
University of Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the financial outlook for this upcoming fiscal year?
Michigan Athletics is navigating a historic financial challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a direct result of COVID-19, we budgeted $61 million less in revenues this year which could easily double if the decision is made not to play any sports.
Why does Michigan Athletics anticipate $61 million less in revenues this year?
As a result of COVID-19 and limited capacity at our sporting events, ticket revenue along with several other revenue streams have been most significantly impacted resulting in severe revenue decreases.
Are there unanticipated costs for this year as a result of COVID-19?
Yes. We are also facing significant costs related to safely returning our student-athletes and staff to campus with COVID-19 protocols in place. Additionally, if fans are allowed to attend games later this year, we are ready to implement significant measures to safely welcome them to our facilities.
What has the athletic department done to reduce annual operating costs?
Our athletic department has implemented wide ranging cost-saving measures to reduce our expenditures this fiscal year. Some of these measures include:
- Approximately $10.9M or 28% reduction in team and game expenses compared to previous years; primarily related to reductions in team travel, recruiting, supplemental nutrition, equipment and other team expenses
- Approximately $3.8M or 25% reduction in operating expenses as compared to previous years, primarily due to reductions in administrative travel, professional development, and expenses associated with hosting home athletic events
- Nearly $4M in department-wide salary reductions
- Delaying all significant capital and construction projects
- Eliminating annual contribution to facility deferred maintenance fund, initially budgeted for $6M
- Year-long hiring freeze for non-essential positions
What is the best way that I can help?
We are asking you to consider transferring your previous PSC/season ticket payments towards a tax-deductible gift to the Champions Fund. You may elect to donate only your PSC or you may donate both your PSC and season ticket payments. Your donation will be 80% tax deductible and directly support our more than 900 student-athletes. You may donate your PSC/season tickets via this webpage.
How can I donate my PSC/season ticket payments?
You may elect to donate only your PSC or you may donate both your PSC and season ticket payments. Your donation will be 80% tax deductible and directly support our more than 900 student-athletes. You may donate your PSC/season tickets via this webpage.
What if I have more questions about the process or how I can help?
The Ticket Office is available to answer any questions you have. Visit the Ticket Office web page for ways to contact us or reach us by phone at (866) 296-6849 or 734-764-0247 during regular business hours.