UCF athletics emerged from the coronavirus pandemic in the black thanks to a variety of cost-cutting moves, donor contributions and a series of buyout packages. The department projects a $1.5 million surplus off of last season.
The news comes as the UCF Athletics Association submitted a proposed operating budget of $71.8 million to the university for the 2021-22 academic year, an increase of nearly 13% from the previous season, reflecting optimism as the school looks to return to pre-pandemic standards.
The plan, presented during a UCF Board of Trustees meeting earlier this month, was based on expectations that the campus would return to full seating capacity for athletic events as well as hosting a full home game schedule for football.