Deion Sanders Under Fire for Colorado’s Massive Financial...

By Michael Gallagher

Sports Content Coordinator

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The spotlight shining on Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders just got even brighter.

According to a report from USA Today, the University of Colorado is projecting to have a $27 million loss during the fiscal year ending in June 2026 — the largest deficit ever reported by the school — in addition to needing $11.9 million in institutional support plus another $2.2 million from student fees, according to Brent Schrotenboer.

The university reportedly plans to make a dent in that number through revenue raised from concerts at Folsom Field, sponsorships, and donations from boosters.

Making matters worse is the huge financial strain the football team has placed on the school with Sanders’ $10 million-per-year salary and the $20.5 million being spent to attract top recruits and transfers players.

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“Asked who would be paying for these expenses if not the university, spokesman Steve Hurlbert said, ‘The mechanics of that are still to be determined,’” Schrotenboer wrote. “The school said it will ‘not cut sports nor cut any resources for student-athletes’ but will look to cut expenses. Hurlbert also stressed tuition money and state funds will not be used to address the deficit.”

With a near-$30 million shortfall, and the football team performing so poorly (the Buffaloes were just 3-9 this season after going 9-4 the year before), many unruly fans are starting to point the finger directly at Sanders for putting the school in financial peril.

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“One winning season in the first 3, same record after 3 seasons that CSU’s fired Jay Norvell had after 3 seasons, and a bankrupt football program. This is success at CU,” one fan wrote.

“Sounds like Primedebt not Primetime. 🫢,” another added.

“’How to destroy a university’ hosted by Deion Sanders,” a third fan scoffed.

“That’s the Prime effect. 😂😂😂🫵🏼,” joked one user.

“Over 30 mil to go 3-9 😭😭😭,” another user remarked.

“So being a reality show for the Sanders family…. Not a moneymaker… who knew?” another fan sneered.

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