WLEN: Walberg Cites GAO Report in Call for College Athletics Oversight

Michigan Congressman Tim Walberg says a new Government Accountability Office, or GAO, report supports his concerns that college athletics spending is increasing costs for students.

Walberg said the findings show colleges should prioritize student success over what he called an athletics “spending arms race.”

The GAO found 94% of Division I athletic programs spent more than they generated in revenue during the 2023–24 academic year, with schools providing about $7.2 billion in institutional support, including some funding from tuition, fees and other university resources.

The nonpartisan report outlines the financial trends but does not recommend changes to federal policy.