Every college hopes for conference titles, national rankings, and a packed trophy case. But how much does competitive success actually cost?
There’s a surprising link between athletics spending and success in the NAIA. Is spending more on college sports a guaranteed ticket to the winner’s circle?
How Athletics Spending Shapes Competitive Success
New research from the NAIA’s Return on Athletics (ROA) initiative dives into those exact questions, examining the relationship between total athletics spending, everything from coaching salaries to financial aid, and on-field success. Spoiler alert: the results show a strong connection between investment and outcomes, but the story is more nuanced than “spend more, win more.”
Explore more data findings and their implications for colleges seeking to balance budgets while adding to the trophy case in college sports programs.
See related: Five Practical Steps to Foster a Positive Mental Health Culture on Your Team