AD Jeff Long says KU athletic department projects a 20% decrease in revenue this year
Kansas athletic director Jeff Long said Wednesday in an e-mail to donors that KU Athletics projects “at a minimum a 20% decrease in revenue in 2020-21.”
At a KU Board of Directors meeting on June 3, KU approved a budget of $100.9 million for the 2021 fiscal year.
“That amount of money (lost via the 20% decrease in revenue) is not something we will be able to easily overcome, but through efficient and effective planning, as well as consistent financial support from you, we have confidence we will come through the effects of the pandemic and continue to be a strong and vibrant athletic program,” Long wrote.
“To prepare for this impact of this challenging time, the strategic measures below have already been taken: a 15-20% reduction for all department and sports budgets; staff furlough and salary reductions totaling over $1 million in cost savings; department hiring freeze leaving any non-essential jobs vacant.
“Additionally, through refinancing debt obligations, these initiatives combine to eliminate nearly $10 million in expenses from our 2020-21 pre-COVID-19 operating budget of $108.7 million.”
Long said in the letter that 3,259 Williams Fund donors renewed their pledges for this school year, which is 510 fewer donors than a year ago, accounting for a deficit of $2,896,867.
No word on crowd size
Nobody knows how many fans will be allowed to attend KU’s football season opener against Southern Illinois on Aug. 29 at Booth Memorial Stadium.
In his letter to donors, Long said there are scenarios for 100% capacity, 50% and less.
“Kansas Athletics continues to work closely with local and state health officials to determine options for attendance and capacity at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium this fall,” Long wrote. “We were thrilled to see Jayhawk football season ticket holders renew at over 90% this year and know you are excited to cheer on coach (Les) Miles and the team. Should stadium capacity restrictions impact ticket availability, please know that your investment and purchases are always safe with Kansas Athletics. Please see our Ticket Assurance Plan for more information.”
Long said he could understand fans wanting to know soon if they can attend home football games in 2020 and if so, where they will sit in the stadium.
“I’m sure there is a sense of frustration that there has not been a decision made in regards to capacity at The Booth,” Long said in the letter. “We continue to learn more and more each day regarding COVID-19 and safety measures to possibly implement, and all of that information will factor into the final capacity decision. We simply do not want to be premature and settle on a capacity percentage if it isn’t in the best interest of our fans, student-athletes and the KU community. We do not take your patience for granted and will provide details in the next couple of weeks.”
Masks to be worn by fans at games?
KU will have guidelines for fans, if any are allowed at KU’s home games.
Long said “plans are being developed for implementing contactless ticketing procedures, social distancing in public spaces, mandatory mask wearing, hand hygiene stations throughout concourses and many other health measures.”
Enaruna back on campus for soph season
KU sophomore basketball guard Tristan Enaruna has made it back to campus for the rest of the summer and the 2020-21 school year, coach Bill Self confirmed Wednesday. At one point it was uncertain when Enaruna, a native of the Netherlands, would be able to return to the U.S. because of coronavirus travel restrictions between the countries.
“Everybody will be here by Sunday,” Self said of his players. “They won’t start (working out with coaches up to eight hours a week in accordance with NCAA rules) until they get the (coronavirus) test results back. Hopefully by Wednesday we’ll be working out. We’ve got to test them. It’s the same protocol. You can’t come in the building unless you are tested (and negative).”
Bates to head to IMG in late August
Tamar Bates, a 6-5 senior basketball shooting guard formerly of Piper High School, told The Star Wednesday he’s planning on reporting to his new school, Florida’s IMG Academy, on Aug. 31.
“As of right now, I’m all in,” said Bates, who has decided to play his senior year at the Bradenton, Fla. school.
He has a recruiting list of KU, Missouri, Kansas State, Texas, Alabama, Creighton and others.
Bates, who is ranked No, 82 in the recruiting Class of 2021 by Rivals.com, averaged 22.1 points on 58% shooting in 2019-20. He shot 46% from three-point range and 88% from the free-throw line. He also averaged 5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2 steals in his junior season at Piper (22-1).
Senior PG Collins wants to visit KU
Frankie Collins, a 6-1 senior point guard from Coronado High in Henderson, Nevada, told Zagsblog.com on Wednesday he’ll likely take official visits to KU, Michigan, Auburn, Vanderbilt and USC in the fall. He also has New Mexico, Arizona State, Georgetown and Howard University on his list of schools.
“The Hoyas already have a pair of Rivals150 guards committed in 2021, so that probably takes them out. If Kansas goes all in, then the Jayhawks should have a good shot. But if I had to pick I’d say that perhaps Arizona State and USC are in the best shape for the talented playmaker,” wrote Eric Bossi of Rivals.com.
Of KU, Collins told Zagsblog.com: “Coach (Kurtis) Townsend and I have been talking since my sophomore year when they first offered me. He’s always been big on my development, getting in there and helping me. He was there when my uncle was at Cal so he’s always been helpful. I wanted to get out there and take a visit but I couldn’t because of COVID. Other than that, the relationship is good. We’ve been building for a long time now.”
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 9:14 PM with the headline "AD Jeff Long says KU athletic department projects a 20% decrease in revenue this year."
