Tennessee Athletics to Raise Season Ticket Prices by 10% #

The University of Tennessee has announced a 10% increase in season ticket prices across all sports, set to take effect for the 2025 season. This price hike, termed a ’talent fee’ by the university, is being implemented in preparation for a proposed revenue sharing model with student-athletes.

Key Points: #

• The 10% increase will apply to all sports at the University of Tennessee.
• The price change is scheduled to begin with the 2025 football season.
• Single-game tickets will see a 4.5% increase.
• The university refers to this increase as a ’talent fee'.

The decision comes as athletic departments across the country prepare for potential revenue sharing with student-athletes. While the proposed settlement that would allow such sharing has not yet been approved, Tennessee is proactively adjusting its pricing structure.

The proposed settlement, if approved, would:

• Provide backpay to student-athletes
• Allow schools to pay players a percentage of athletic revenue
• Remove caps on scholarships

Tennessee’s athletic director emphasized the need for flexibility as the collegiate model evolves, stating that the connection between resources and competitiveness is tighter than ever.

This move comes in the context of broader changes in college athletics, including the ability for athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness since 2021. While star athletes have benefited from endorsement deals, direct revenue sharing from universities would potentially benefit a wider range of student-athletes.

Tennessee, already among the top athletic departments in the country in terms of operating revenue, is positioning itself to adapt to these potential changes in collegiate sports financing.