MU Athletics set for slight payout increase in Music City Bowl
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri will see a slight increase in their payout this year, thanks to revenue growth from the TransPerfect Music City Bowl.
No. 19 Mizzou will make its 38th bowl appearance, facing the Iowa Hawkeyes at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jay Grider, Chief Operating Officer for the TransPerfect Music City Bowl tells ABC 17 both teams will share a combined payout of $6.3 million for competing in the Dec. 30 bowl game. However, Grider noted that Mizzou's exact share has yet to be finalized, as it will depend on ticket sales. Last year, the Tigers earned $4 million from their participation in a New Year’s Six Bowl.
The Music City Bowl has a six-year partnership with the SEC to feature matchups against Big Ten teams, in collaboration with the TaxSlayer Bowl. Over the six-year agreement, SEC teams will face Big Ten teams in the Music City Bowl three times.
The SEC will also benefit from having three schools—Tennessee, Georgia and Texas, competing in the College Football Playoffs. Each school is guaranteed $4 million, with Georgia and Texas having the chance to earn an additional $6 million on top of the $8 million already secured if they advance to the semifinals.
The SEC has the potential to earn at least $20 million from each team if Georgia and Texas make it to the National Championship.
DeMarkcus Acy, played for the University of Missouri from 2016 to 2019, he is no stranger to bowl games. The former standout competed in the 2017 Texas Bowl and the 2018 Liberty Bowl.
According to the College Football Poll, the total payout for the 2017 Texas Bowl between Texas and Missouri was $6.2 million. For the 2018 Liberty Bowl, Oklahoma State and Missouri split a $4.2 million payout.
Acy said he is excited for the Tigers heading to Nashville following last year’s Cotton Bowl Championship win.
"It was a big win. Coach Drink, is kind of elevating and taking the program to a different level," he said.
As playoff payout increases and the rise of NIL taking over in college athletics, Acy said it is changing the dynamic of college football.
"Essentially, we are just looking at the mini NFL, give or take. So that's kind the same kind of model, and once you've kind of given money to athletes, amateurism has gone out the window," Acy said.
Acy said the growing payouts and appearances from bowl games, helps bring financial benefits and exposure to athletic programs.
"It's generating money for the school so that's always a plus. Ya know, give or take any bowl game in my opinion is pretty good for the program. Just getting the brand out there, getting the logo out there," Acy said.
The College Football Playoff semifinals are set for Jan. 9-10, and the National Championship game will take place Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
