Ohio State Allocates $18 Million in Athlete Revenue Sharing

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a significant move for college athletics, Ohio State University has announced a plan to distribute $18 million in revenue sharing among its athletes for the upcoming fiscal year. This decision is part of the broader implementation of name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments.

Distribution Among Sports

The allocated funds will not be shared equally among all teams and will primarily benefit four sports: football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and notably, women’s volleyball. The inclusion of volleyball raises questions about its selection as a key beneficiary.

Strategic Choice for Volleyball

According to athletics director Ross Bjork, the decision to include women’s volleyball stems from multiple factors at both the national and local levels. He stated, “We think with the attention that our program can receive, the Columbus market, volleyball as a booming sport, the Covelli Center is an amazing atmosphere — we thought volleyball could be a sport that could drive more revenue.”

Volleyball’s Success and Potential

Historically, Ohio State volleyball has enjoyed significant achievements, making 25 NCAA Tournament appearances and reaching the Final Four in 1991 and 1994. Under the leadership of coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg, the program has made three Tournament appearances in recent years, including Sweet 16 finishes in her first two seasons and an Elite Eight run in 2022.

Professional Influence in Columbus

The growth of volleyball in Columbus is complemented by the presence of the professional team, the Columbus Fury. Established as part of the Pro Volleyball Federation’s inaugural season in 2024, the team also benefits from local celebrity ownership as part of the Burrow family.

Funding Breakdown and Comparisons

While Bjork did not specify the exact financial distribution of the $18 million among the sports, it’s noted that the allocations for volleyball can vary widely among Big Ten institutions. Some may not include volleyball in their revenue sharing models at all, while others could allocate upwards of $1 million.

• Estimated allocations vary, with many schools providing around $500,000 to $600,000.
• In contrast, elite programs might invest over $1 million, highlighting the competitive nature of volleyball in the conference.

The Big Ten Volleyball Landscape

The Big Ten has demonstrated its strength in women’s volleyball, with nine teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament last year. Among these, Penn State and Nebraska reached the Final Four, with Penn State capturing the national title. Since 1999, the Big Ten has claimed 13 national titles, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the sport.

Future Prospects

The conference’s potential for continued growth in volleyball is promising, which may further increase audience engagement and revenue streams. Bjork emphasized, “The sport is really popular. The Big Ten is a leader in women’s volleyball. We want to get better.” With ongoing efforts to elevate the program, Ohio State is poised to enhance its impact on this thriving sport.