Colorado Faces Funding Scrutiny Over $10M Deion Sanders Deal

Deion Sanders has turned Colorado into a national sensation but the Buffaloes have stumbled to a 2–4 start this season amid major roster turnover (SI, Marca). USA TODAY data and local reporting show Sanders’ 2025 base pay at about $8.975 million (No. 14 nationally, No. 1 in the Big 12) and a potential buyout of $33.625 million as of Dec. 1 (No. 20 nationally, No. 2 in the Big 12) (Coloradoan, SI). Some outlets count Sanders among roughly 10 coaches making at least $10 million annually when outside pay and bonuses are included, which has prompted questions about the funding source for that compensation (Sports Business Journal). CU’s FY26 budget projections show expenses rising by roughly $24 million—largely attributed to football and a proposed $20.5 million in new player benefits—but the university has not produced written revenue estimates (the revenue page was marked “TBD”), drawing scrutiny from the governor’s office and public‑records requesters (USA TODAY, Sports Business Journal). Observers warn that undisclosed contract details, performance bonuses and growing NIL obligations complicate transparency and long‑term fiscal sustainability even as Sanders has boosted ticket sales and national exposure for the program (Marca, USA TODAY, SI).