Boise State faces budget gap as federal sports bill awaits House action

Boise State Athletics projects a $15.05 million decline in its fund balance for the upcoming fiscal year, creating a financial environment where federal regulation could alter the department’s long-term stability.

The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 cleared the U.S. Senate on Sept. 28 with a 77-22 vote. Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch both supported the measure. The bill moved to the House on Oct. 5, but it has not yet become law.

The legislation proposes national standards for athlete compensation, name, image and likeness deals, and transfer rules. It also allows schools to negotiate media rights collectively and grants legal protections to athletic governing bodies.

Jeramiah Dickey, the Boise State athletic director, told the Ever Onward podcast in August that federal action is necessary. He noted that current rules vary by institution and that spending is rising faster than revenue.

“I think there has to be some level of federal legislation,” Dickey said. “Now, I don’t think anything that’s going to be proposed is gonna be perfect by any means.”

According to the university’s FY2027 Auxiliary Budget Book, the athletics department expects approximately $61.3 million in revenue. Operating expenses for BroncoPRO, the university’s compensation and NIL program, are listed at approximately $14.24 million.

Teresa Gould, commissioner of the Pac-12, testified before the Senate Commerce Committee on June 3 that increased spending in football and men’s basketball could squeeze funding for other sports.

“That money has to come from somewhere,” Gould told lawmakers. She explained that universities may need to cut spending in non-revenue sports to maintain support for major programs.

Boise State sponsors 18 varsity sports. The bill includes protections for scholarships and roster spots in non-revenue sports, requiring schools with at least $50 million in annual athletics revenue to maintain those opportunities. Exceptions exist for financial hardship.

Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., questioned whether the protections would apply equally to all Division I schools. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., asked how the bill would benefit schools with lower football revenue, such as those in the current Pac-12 structure.

Gordon Gee, former president of West Virginia University, argued that pooled media rights could help smaller athletic programs generate revenue. He stated that consistent national rules would aid schools in competing against larger conferences.

Lance Holtzclaw, a University of Utah football player, testified on June 3 about the impact of changing transfer and NIL rules on athletes. He stressed the need to include student-athletes in decision-making processes. “Decisions about college athletics should not be made solely for student athletes, but made with student athletes,” Holtzclaw said. The Senate-passed version of the bill allows athletes one transfer without sitting out a season. A second transfer generally requires a one-year sit-out, with exceptions for specific circumstances like a coach’s departure or a sport being discontinued. The House will now consider the legislation as Boise State manages its current budget under existing rules.