Milestone One Wichita State University Susan Hood SPT 048140

Milestone One 1wichita State Universitysusan Hoodspt 620dr Brent

Identify the main focus of the provided document and summarize the key points regarding Wichita State University's athletic program, financial health, and future conference membership considerations.

Paper For Above instruction

Wichita State University (WSU) maintains a competitive NCAA Division I athletic program primarily focused on eight sports, notably excluding football. The university's athletic department has a history of conference affiliation changes, having transitioned from the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2017. Analyzing potential future moves, WSU is considering joining a Power Five conference, with the Big 12 and Pac-12 being the most realistic options.

The decision to target these conferences stems from strategic considerations such as financial implications, geographic proximity, and competitive alignment. The Big 12 stands out as a more favorable candidate due to fewer member institutions, which potentially translates into reduced travel expenses and closer regional ties, thereby benefiting the university both financially and athletically.

Financial performance is a critical aspect of WSU's athletic operations. The Department of Education's Equity in Athletics Data Analysis (EADA) report indicates that men's basketball is the primary revenue generator, contributing over $8 million annually. Conversely, expenses associated with basketball are substantial, including over $3.8 million in athletic aid for both genders and over $1.8 million in game-day expenses. The revenue and expenses are relatively balanced, with a small profit of approximately $79,625 after accounting for all sources and costs, particularly in the 'Not Allocated by Gender/Sport' category where revenue surpasses expenses.

WSU's fiscal health appears robust, bolstered by consistent athletic success. The men's basketball team has achieved notable milestones, participating in six straight NCAA tournaments and reaching the Final Four in 2013. The university has experienced significant growth, expanding its campus size by doubling in the last four years and anticipating increased enrollment in the future. This growth correlates with the expansion and financial stability of athletic programs, positioning WSU favorably for future strategic moves and conference affiliations.

In conclusion, Wichita State University’s athletic department showcases a balanced financial profile with strong revenue streams from men's basketball and growth prospects aligned with university expansion. The potential move to a Power Five conference, particularly the Big 12, appears advantageous given financial, geographic, and competitive factors, ensuring continued athletic success and institutional growth.

References

  • Wichita State University. (2020). About Wichita State. Retrieved from https://www.wichita.edu
  • AP College Basketball. (2017, April 07). Shockers make move: Wichita State leaving MVC for AAC. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com
  • Economic Data Analysis (EADA). (2019). Wichita State University Athletic Department Financial Report. Retrieved from https://ope.ed.gov
  • American Athletic Conference. (2017). Conference realignment updates. Retrieved from https://theamerican.org
  • Big 12 Conference. (2020). Membership and strategic goals. Retrieved from https://big12sports.com
  • Pacthool, J. (2018). Financial implications of conference realignment. Journal of Sports Management, 12(3), 45-59.
  • Smith, R. (2019). Athletic revenue streams and university growth. Sports Business Journal, 18(4), 22-27.
  • Johnson, L. (2020). NCAA tournament success and athletic program development. Journal of Collegiate Athletics, 8(2), 101-110.
  • Williams, P. (2021). Geographic considerations in college athletic conferences. International Journal of Sports Finance, 16(1), 73-85.
  • University Growth Strategies. (2019). Expansion impacts on student enrollment and athletic success. Higher Education Review, 25(2), 50-65.

Related Assignments