Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, in a letter to football season-ticket holders, said the athletic department has budgeted $61 million less in revenues this year and could increase to triple digits if a decision is made not to play sports this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manuel sent the letter Thursday, a day after the Big Ten released a 10-game football schedule for this fall. Because there will be limited or no fans at Michigan’s five games at Michigan Stadium this fall, the department is “navigating a historic financial challenge” and has implemented cost-cutting measures.