LAST SEASON Louisville won its first title since 1986 by beating Michigan, but ever since Rick Pitino's Cardinals moved into their publicly funded $238 million KFC Yum Center three years ago -- a state-of-the-art arena resplendent with executive seating, parking and alcohol-laden concessions -- they have delighted their accountants just as much as their rabid fans.
The Cardinals, unquestionably the nation's wealthiest men's basketball program, raked in profits of about $27 million in the 2011-12 season. Last year's title-winning campaign? Just a ho-hum $35 million. How much is that exactly? More than any other team is even capable of generating in total revenue -- period. With the nation's third-highest average attendance, 71 luxury suites bringing in $14.6 million in revenue alone, and a fan base that gifted an eye-watering $20 million in donations, Louisville has the financial clout to make even some NBA executives envious.
The Cardinals' move to the ACC in 2014 will only add to that: Their $3 million in Big East TV money will be dwarfed by the deal the ACC signed with ESPN, at $17 million per school. Throw in the national title and aspirations of another and we'll likely see the Cardinals soar on and off the court for years to come.
Follow The Mag on Twitter (@ESPNmag) and like us on Facebook.