Investment in UNC Sports

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill allocates significant funds to its men’s basketball and soccer programs. The newly appointed football coach, Bill Belichick, is set to earn $10 million, while the general manager of the football team, Micrombardi, has a salary of $1.5 million.

This week, reports have indicated that over $14 million has been committed to building the men’s basketball roster for the upcoming season. This figure is actually three times what UNC spent on the team last year. Additionally, Jim Tanner, the newly hired general manager for the men’s basketball team, has a salary of $850,000.

In terms of revenue generation through college sports, soccer and, to a lesser degree, men’s basketball play pivotal roles. These sports typically secure lucrative television deals that fund the athletics department of the university. Their success can also boost ticket sales and merchandise sales, encouraging overall enrollment.

Nevertheless, North Carolina has a rich history and tradition of success in women’s sports, too. The Tar Heels’ women’s soccer and lacrosse teams have won national championships this season, while the field hockey team boasts 11 national titles, marking its third consecutive appearance in the Final Four.

Under the leadership of Courtney Banghart, the women’s basketball team has seen a resurgence lately, accumulating 116 wins along with four NCAA tournament berths and two trips to the Sweet 16 in the past four years. Interestingly, the women’s team has outperformed the men’s team slightly over the same timeframe. This year, the Tar Heels made it to the top 16 and hosted the opening games at Chapel Hill.

Like the men’s basketball team, the women’s program is also looking to strengthen its roster this year to boost its chances in the NCAA tournament. Postseason success now directly translates into financial gains for the school. Despite the NCAA’s decision to bundle women’s basketball with other championship sports in its television deal with ESPN, a 2021 report suggested that if the rights to the women’s basketball tournament were sold separately, they could be worth anywhere from $81 to $112 million annually, including figures for soccer and men’s basketball. Dawn Staley, head coach at South Carolina, has publicly urged the NCAA to negotiate for better financial terms with ESPN.

Staley remarked, “We should be getting more from ESPN. Let’s negotiate with sincerity. We may not feel the impact today, but five years from now, it might matter.” She expressed her desire for ESPN to step up for university sports.

This points to the financial viability of women’s sports, particularly women’s basketball. Investing in talent can lead to significant success, like Texas Tech’s softball team, which recently achieved its first Women’s College World Series title after acquiring standout pitcher Nijaly Canadi, who landed a $1 million NIL deal.

This brings to light a critical question: If UNC is investing $14 million in its men’s basketball roster, what budget is allocated for the women’s team?

Documents obtained via the Freedom of Information Act shed light on the challenges Banghart is facing in her quest for funding. In an email dated April 9, she reached out to UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, requesting additional funds this year.

“Can I get more this year? I’ve spent the limited funds I had up until April 7—only $250 to work with for the portal,” Banghart wrote. “I have three spots to fill. It’s just not enough. The portal costs $500K to $600K.”

The funds she requested were likely intended for robust management through two existing NIL groups affiliated with UNC. Vangart noted, “This will reduce the need for donor funds for bench seats when necessary after the settlement is finalized.” They hope to utilize a ‘no strings attached’ agreement as they move forward.

It remains uncertain whether the funding Banghart sought was approved, as there’s no acknowledgment of her email in the documents provided to SB Nation by UNC’s Public Records Bureau. However, the Tar Heels did secure two notable transfers during the offseason, with Nila Harris from Louisville and Elina Alizaro from UCLA joining the team.

Even if Banghart had received $600,000 to enhance the roster, a longtime assistant coach characterized that as being in the “low tier.” In contrast, some sports agents found that figure to be more like “middle of the pack” for Power 4 schools.

Banghart then concluded her email. In January, reports highlighted that most schools in the FBS had indicated that soccer and men’s basketball represented over 90% of their revenue. For instance, Texas Tech reported that only 2% of its revenue came from women’s basketball, while Georgia spent $13.5 million on football but only $900,000 on its women’s basketball team.

The $1.5 million Banghart is seeking is only a small fraction of what UNC’s soccer teams receive. Should a settlement be passed, Belichick’s contract dictates that $13 million will be allocated to the football roster.

Some institutions have begun outlining spending strategies in this evolving landscape, but UNC has yet to disclose its plans. Nonetheless, athletic department officials have been discussing it for some time. On November 7, 2024, Cunningham sent Banghart an email detailing how scholarships, roster sizes, and associated costs would change post-settlement.

The email noted, “The settlement presents a challenging situation, but we truly appreciate your adaptability as we navigate this new environment.”