GAINESVILLE — UF athletics lost $54.5 million during the coronavirus pandemic, yet Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin said his department is able to move forward on solid financial footing.
“It’s something we hope we never have to do again,” Stricklin said at UF’s board of trustees meeting, held Thursday and Friday in Gainesville. “Glad it’s behind us. Looking forward to normality.”
The University of Athletic Association managed to stay afloat because of a robust reserve fund of $51 million and a $23 million cash infusion from the SEC to each of its 14 member schools.
Unlike countless businesses nationwide and many athletic departments, the UAA was able to avoid layoffs, furloughs or even salary reductions.