With the House settlement enabling schools to directly pay athletes $20.5 million a year starting in 2025-26, here’s a look at where Rocky Mountain Division I universities stand heading into an unprecedented new era of college athletics.

CU Buffs

2024 athletic revenue: $146.57 million

2024 athletic expenses: $138.33 million

Enrollment: 38,428

Annual media revenue: $31.7 million (starting this year with new Big 12 deal, according to ESPN )

Opted into settlement: Yes

Analysis: CU is in the best possible position of all the state schools, but even the Buffs are going to have to find new revenue streams. Deion Sanders remains a central figure in CU’s hopes to raise enough money and put itself in position to join a future super conference, as Prime brings the exposure and

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