South Carolina Athletics Struggles Financially Despite Increase in Football Revenue

In a live update on South Carolina athletics, the department has reported a slight financial loss for the 2024 fiscal year, despite generating $31 million from football. Men’s basketball posted a profit, but women’s basketball ended the year with a deficit, and overall contributions to the department experienced a decline.

According to financial documents reviewed by The Greenville News, the total operating revenue for South Carolina athletics was $183.4 million, while expenses amounted to $183.6 million, leaving the department with a deficit of $194,175. This follows a pattern of fluctuating financial results, including a $3.7 million deficit in 2022 and an $11 million shortfall in 2021.

Football, as expected, remained the department’s primary source of revenue, bringing in $78.5 million while spending $47.6 million. Key sources of this revenue included $19.8 million from ticket sales, $15.4 million in media rights, and $5.2 million in parking and concessions. Despite a disappointing 5-7 season in 2023, football revenue saw a $5 million increase from the previous year.

In the basketball programs, the men’s team reported a solid $3.48 million profit, generating $13.3 million in revenue against $9.8 million in expenses. However, women’s basketball faced a $5.7 million deficit, earning $5.8 million in revenue but incurring $11.5 million in expenses.

Another concerning development was a decline in contributions to USC athletics, dropping from $34.6 million to $33.8 million. While donations to football and men’s basketball increased, non-program-specific contributions fell by nearly $4.4 million, and donations to women’s basketball also saw a slight decrease.

Despite these financial challenges, South Carolina athletics continues to depend on football revenue as its primary source of income and is actively exploring strategies to balance expenses across all sports programs.

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South Carolina Football Recruiting Target Tamarion Watkins Boosted to 4-Star Status

We’re closely following South Carolina’s pursuit of Tamarion Watkins, one of the top football recruits in the Palmetto State. The Northwestern High School standout is a physical force on the field, standing at an imposing 6’4″ and weighing 201 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has caught the attention of major programs, including Georgia, who have shown interest in potentially using him as a linebacker. However, USC defensive backs coach Torrian Gray sees him more as a versatile, long safety for the Gamecocks’ secondary. On3, along with other major recruiting outlets, currently ranks him as a safety.

Recent updates to the 2026 rankings have propelled Watkins to a prestigious position. He now holds a fourth-star ranking in the On3 industry composite rankings—a weighted average from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. This jump comes after On3, 247Sports, and Rivals all updated their rankings in recent weeks. Watkins is now placed at No. 312 nationally, No. 7 in South Carolina, and No. 26 among safeties nationwide. Rivals is especially high on Watkins, ranking him as the No. 125 player in the nation and the top recruit in South Carolina.

Notably, GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark recently included Watkins on a list of prospects who could soon earn South Carolina’s On3 RPM picks. Clark reports that despite a competitive offer list, South Carolina has positioned itself well in Watkins’ recruitment.

As of now, the Gamecocks have five commitments in the 2026 class, currently ranked 14th overall. This group includes 4-star safety J’Zavien Currence, 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, 3-star defensive back Peyton Dyer, and 3-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter. Interestingly, both Currence and Baxter are from Rock Hill, just like Watkins.

Stay tuned for more updates on this rising prospect and South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.