Huskies Expect $30M in One-Time Expenses for Move to Big Ten

The University of Washington projects it will cost around $30 million in one-time expenses in 2025 for the school to make the transition from the Big 12 to the Big Ten. 

According to the Seattle Times, UW projects a $2 million operating deficit, along with almost $29.6 million of one-time nonoperating expenses before UW’s transition to the Big Ten. For context, UW athletics projected a $9.95 million profit for the 2024 financial year on May 11, 2023.

“We’re inside our last 50 days in the Pac-12 conference,” athletic director Pat Chun said. “It’s been a long, storied history with Washington inside that conference, and it’s unfortunate. All 12 schools, as we disperse, are all challenged financially because of decisions made for the past decade.”

The board has already approved the $30 million for the athletics department, which will cover the construction of an on-campus Big Ten Network studio, among other expenses. 

“Where we’re headed is the right place,” Chun, 78 days into his tenure as Washington athletic director, said. “There is a bright future for us in the Big Ten that aligns us with similar institutions.”

The overall budget proposed by Chun and O’Connell projects Washington to make almost $165 million in revenue during the 2025 financial year, against $167.1 million in operating expenses. They expect gate revenue ($31.6 million), contributions ($36 million) and NCAA or conference distributions ($42 million) as their biggest revenue streams. 

Chun and O’Connell expect Washington’s largest expenses to be coaching salaries ($58 million) and sports operating expenses ($49 million). 

As part of the move, Washington will also have to replace logos on its facilities. 

“These are ongoing things, we can’t just flip a switch,” she said. “There’s a lot that goes into this. It’s exciting, but a big lift as we go.”