Central Michigan University Athletics
Collegiate Consulting Study Finds Central Michigan University Athletics Delivers $171 Million Annual Impact
9/11/2026 11:00:00 AM | General, Our Stories
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.– A recent study by Collegiate Consulting shows that Central Michigan University's athletics program generates an average annual economic impact of $171 million, with a total of $513 million between FY2022 and FY2025.
The report highlights more than $285 million in media exposure value from broadcasts, streaming, and social media, as well as $50 million from game-day events, camps, and special events hosted at athletic facilities. Student-athletes, staff, and external revenue streams contributed another $178 million in direct and indirect impact, reinforcing CMU Athletics' role as both an institutional and community asset.
"These findings reinforce what we see every day: Central Michigan Athletics is a source of pride for our university, an important partner in the success of our community, and a meaningful driver of economic activity across the Mount Pleasant community and mid-Michigan region," said Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan. central Michigan. "Beyond competition, our student-athletes, coaches and staff help create opportunities that generate visibility, attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen the CMU experience. We are grateful for the continued support of our fans, alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community members who make this impact possible.
"CMU Athletics is not only a cornerstone of the University's identity but also a powerful contributor to the economic and cultural vitality of Mount Pleasant and the central Michigan region," said Russell Wright, Founder & Managing Director of Collegiate Consulting. "This study quantifies the measurable value CMU Athletics provides and highlights why continued investment in athletics is essential to both the institution's success and the community's future prosperity."
Additionally, per Collegiate Consulting, Central Michigan's appearance in the GameAbove Sports Bowl last December against Northwestern, which was broadcast on ESPN to close the 2025 football season, garnered viewership of 2.4 million, which equates to an advertising value of $102.84 million.
Founded in 2005, Collegiate Consulting has partnered with more than 750 universities, colleges, conferences, and associations nationwide. The firm specializes in strategic planning, feasibility studies, enrollment strategies, and economic valuations for higher education institutions. Over the last year, Collegiate Consulting has completed athletic economic impact studies for Toledo, Washington State, San Jose State, New Mexico and Rice.
The report highlights more than $285 million in media exposure value from broadcasts, streaming, and social media, as well as $50 million from game-day events, camps, and special events hosted at athletic facilities. Student-athletes, staff, and external revenue streams contributed another $178 million in direct and indirect impact, reinforcing CMU Athletics' role as both an institutional and community asset.
"These findings reinforce what we see every day: Central Michigan Athletics is a source of pride for our university, an important partner in the success of our community, and a meaningful driver of economic activity across the Mount Pleasant community and mid-Michigan region," said Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan. central Michigan. "Beyond competition, our student-athletes, coaches and staff help create opportunities that generate visibility, attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen the CMU experience. We are grateful for the continued support of our fans, alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community members who make this impact possible.
"CMU Athletics is not only a cornerstone of the University's identity but also a powerful contributor to the economic and cultural vitality of Mount Pleasant and the central Michigan region," said Russell Wright, Founder & Managing Director of Collegiate Consulting. "This study quantifies the measurable value CMU Athletics provides and highlights why continued investment in athletics is essential to both the institution's success and the community's future prosperity."
Additionally, per Collegiate Consulting, Central Michigan's appearance in the GameAbove Sports Bowl last December against Northwestern, which was broadcast on ESPN to close the 2025 football season, garnered viewership of 2.4 million, which equates to an advertising value of $102.84 million.
Founded in 2005, Collegiate Consulting has partnered with more than 750 universities, colleges, conferences, and associations nationwide. The firm specializes in strategic planning, feasibility studies, enrollment strategies, and economic valuations for higher education institutions. Over the last year, Collegiate Consulting has completed athletic economic impact studies for Toledo, Washington State, San Jose State, New Mexico and Rice.
--CMU--
Tuesday, September 01
Saturday, August 08
Friday, June 26
Friday, June 26