How to Make Smart Financial Decisions As An Athletic Director

Maintain Financial Acumen and Resource Management

Strong financial management is foundational to a thriving athletic program. Whether you're overseeing ticket revenue, equipment purchases, or booster club donations, your ability to manage resources directly impacts opportunities for student-athletes.

Athletic directors aren’t just visible leaders at games—they’re also responsible for behind-the-scenes decisions that shape trust, equity, and sustainability.

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”
– Dave Ramsey

Quality planning creates clarity, reduces waste, and makes every dollar in your budget count.

Here are specific strategies to improve your financial planning and resource oversight:

1. Build a Detailed, Yearly Budget
2. Track Expenses and Revenue Monthly
3. Report Transparently
4. Maximize Funding Opportunities
5. Ensure Fair Resource Distribution
6. Audit and Adjust

1: Build a Detailed, Yearly Budget

Start each school year with a line-item budget for every team. Cover key areas like:

• Equipment

• Travel

• Officials

• Facility use

• Uniforms

• Coaching stipends

Review spending patterns from the past one to three years to create realistic projections. Involve coaches early to align needs and expectations, and set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

2: Track Expenses and Revenue Monthly

Monthly tracking gives you control, not just passive awareness. Use a digital platform to monitor income and expenses by category: gate revenue, spirit wear sales, fundraising, concessions, and more.

A system like Bound can connect your schedules, ticketing, and financials in one place, so your numbers are always up to date and easy to access when decisions need to be made.

3: Report Transparently

Create simple financial summaries at the end of each quarter or semester. Include:

• Income vs. expenses

• Budget targets vs. actuals

• A short narrative on how funds supported students

This level of transparency builds credibility with school administrators, board members, and booster leaders. When people understand where the money is going, they’re more willing to support future needs.

4: Maximize Funding Opportunities

Don’t rely on the same fundraisers every year. Explore additional options like:

• Local sponsorships with advertising benefits

• State or national grant programs

• Alumni fundraising campaigns

• Themed community nights or special events

Partner with your booster club to run high-impact events that align with your school’s values and bring in both dollars and goodwill.

5: Ensure Fair Resource Distribution

Fair does not mean equal. Each sport has different needs, risks, and participation levels.

Use data on roster sizes, equipment replacement cycles, and competition schedules to guide decisions. Communicate openly with coaches about how funding is allocated and be ready to explain the “why” behind each decision.

6: Audit and Adjust

After each season, review your financials with fresh eyes. Ask:

• Where did we spend more than expected?

• What funds went unused?

• What needs better support next season?

Use these insights to sharpen your budgeting process for the following year. Efficiency improves when planning becomes a habit, not just a deadline.

The athletic director’s desk is part scoreboard, part spreadsheet.

When you manage both with care, your program becomes stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned to serve your athletes, season after season.