Nebraska Athletics Posts Record Revenue and Attendance Figures

Nebraska Athletics set all-time department records in cash fundraising and licensing royalties during the 2025-26 academic year, as reported by the university athletic department. The financial milestones accompanied top-tier national fan attendance and a 17th-place finish in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings.

Total cash donations to the Huskers Athletic Fund reached a record $71,658,087 from 16,815 donors in fiscal year 2026. The milestone marks the program's second consecutive year exceeding $70 million in annual cash giving. The organization expanded its donor footprint across 47 states by adding over 1,200 new members, while the Nebraska Leadership Society grew to 635 members on its 10th anniversary.

Contributions designated for sport-specific excellence funds and the student-athlete experience fund rose to $20.3 million from $3.9 million in the previous fiscal period, representing a 411 percent surge. Concurrently, trademark licensing royalties grew 27 percent to reach a record $6.56 million, generated from over $35.6 million in total retail sales of officially licensed merchandise.

Official figures show fans purchased 2.4 million licensed Nebraska items during fiscal year 2026, averaging more than 6,500 daily sales. The volume placed the university 14th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten Conference for licensing royalties through the Collegiate Licensing Company, alongside a sixth-place national finish in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) licensing sales among peer institutions.

"Our supporters continue to set the standard for what makes Nebraska special," said Troy Dannen, Director of Athletics. "From record-setting giving levels from our Huskers Athletic Fund members, to purchases by our fans in the retail space, and ranking among the nation’s leaders in attendance, there is not a more passionate fan base in the country. The generosity and support of our fans directly impacts the experience of every student-athlete and creates opportunities for young people to succeed in competition, in the classroom and in life."

Venue turnstiles recorded 1,344,465 spectators across seven core Husker sports, representing an increase of roughly 40,000 attendees year-over-year. The total ranked sixth nationally and topped the Big Ten. Across four women's sports—volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer—Nebraska placed second in national attendance by drawing 328,169 fans.

Academic achievements for the department included a record 3.47 spring student-athlete grade point average, an 82 percent rate of student-athletes earning a 3.0 GPA or higher, and a Graduation Success Rate of 92 percent. Student-athletes also logged more than 2,500 community service hours.

The department enters the upcoming year implementing second-year provisions of the House settlement, initially introducing 108 new scholarships with plans to reach 190 within two years. By 2028, full scholarships are slated to cover 90 percent of Husker student-athletes. The incoming class features 512 student-athletes representing 39 states and 35 nations, with first-generation college students making up 25 percent of the group.

Infrastructure developments continue with the ongoing $72 million Big Red Rebuild, which includes scheduled demolition of the south and west seating bowls following the conclusion of the upcoming football season. Additional venue projects feature renovations at the Devaney Center and the addition of a women's flag football team.

On the court, the top-ranked Nebraska volleyball program prepares for a unique opening schedule spanning four professional sports venues before debuting at the renovated John Cook Arena. The slate begins Thursday night, Aug. 27, 2026, at AT&T Stadium with the inaugural Spikes Under the Lights exhibition, followed by the Players Era Volleyball Showcase in Las Vegas featuring an Aug. 30 match against No. 2 Texas.