June 10, 2025

Mississippi State University Enhances Athletic Programs with New Revenue Sharing

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News Summary

Mississippi State University is set to distribute $20.5 million annually to student-athletes due to a new NCAA revenue sharing agreement. This pivotal decision follows the House v. NCAA settlement, which allows universities greater financial support for student-athletes. The university aims to invest significantly in athletics, particularly in football, men’s basketball, and baseball, with initiatives like the State Excellence Fund to aid athletes on and off the field. Mississippi State also plans to address historical financial challenges in its baseball program and improve its basketball roster.

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University is preparing to distribute its share of $20.5 million annually to student-athletes as a result of the new NCAA revenue sharing agreement. This decision follows the recent House v. NCAA settlement, which allows universities to support their student-athletes more directly financially. Mississippi State plans to take full advantage of this opportunity, significantly impacting its athletics programs.

The university has strategically built a financial reserve in anticipation of the revenue-sharing arrangement, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the collegiate athletics experience. Among the initiatives is the introduction of the State Excellence Fund, which is designed to provide essential support to student-athletes both on and off the field.

Mississippi State’s Athletic Director Zac Selmon stated that the athletic department aims to allocate the maximum amount permitted under the new rules. While the majority of the funding is expected to focus on football and men’s basketball programs, the university is also prioritizing its baseball team. This emphasis on baseball is underscored by the recent hiring of Brian O’Connor, a championship-winning coach, to lead the program.

Crucially, under these new guidelines, universities are now permitted to fully fund scholarships for every player on a baseball roster, a significant change from the previous limitations of partial scholarships. As a result, Mississippi State is anticipated to excel in both scholarship spending and Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) support for its baseball program, reinforcing its competitiveness within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on a national level.

Dudy Noble Field, Mississippi State’s baseball stadium, has achieved recognition as one of the most attended sports facilities in the country, with a notably high average game attendance. This solid fan base provides a supportive backdrop for the baseball program as it seeks to improve its financial standing and performance on the field.

In preparation for these changes, the NCAA mandates that all third-party NIL deals exceeding $600 be managed through a national clearinghouse known as “NIL Go.” This measure aims to limit potential exploitation of the newly introduced revenue-sharing framework, ensuring a level playing field for all involved.

Mississippi State has positioned itself adeptly to navigate the evolving college sports economy, thanks to comprehensive university backing and robust private fundraising initiatives. However, the baseball program has historically faced financial hurdles, reporting a deficit exceeding $3.15 million in the fiscal year 2024. The overall athletics department has also planned for a budget deficit of approximately $7 million this upcoming year.

The investment in the baseball program is part of a broader strategy for long-term growth. The university is offering Coach O’Connor a salary of $2.9 million, which is the second-highest in the landscape of college baseball. On the basketball front, Coach Chris Jans is focusing on enhancing the team’s capabilities by recruiting six transfers alongside four freshmen, seeking to build a more competitive roster following two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances that did not result in wins.

Key areas targeted for improvement within the basketball program focus on rebounding and three-point shooting, with an appeal for recruits who can contribute both physically and skillfully. A notable acquisition includes Quincy Ballard, a 7-foot center transfer from Wichita State, who is expected to make a significant impact on the team’s rebounding and defensive capabilities.

The Bulldogs’ aspirations extend to ending a 17-year drought without an NCAA Tournament win, with renewed hope surrounding the structure and talent of the new team. As Mississippi State continues its effort to invest in its athletic programs, the university remains committed to fostering a legacy of success for future generations of athletes.