OT: Value of a Final Four

[MU Viking]

Was having a conversation with someone last night about the $$ value of a Final Four to a university. I know the actual university makes about $9.5M just making it there, but does anyone remember (ballpark) how much MU figured it gained in terms of free advertising, merchandise sales, etc. making the 2003 FF? I am trying to recall the number. I know it is 8 figures somewhere, but thought I'd see if anyone remembers. Thanks.

[Litehouse]

Butler did a study and said a Final Four run was worth $600 Million in publicity.
http://www.butlersports.com/sports/m-baskbl/2010-11/releases/040111aab

[The Reptile]

Was having a conversation with someone last night about the $$ value of a Final Four to a university. I know the actual university makes about $9.5M just making it there, but does anyone remember (ballpark) how much MU figured it gained in terms of free advertising, merchandise sales, etc. making the 2003 FF? I am trying to recall the number. I know it is 8 figures somewhere, but thought I'd see if anyone remembers. Thanks.


I don't know but I do remember that MU funded The Al almost overnight after making it to the Final Four. That was worth what about $45 Million at the time?

[MayorBeluga]

I don't know but I do remember that MU funded The Al almost overnight after making it to the Final Four. That was worth what about $45 Million at the time?

Most of the money for the Al was already either pledged or in hand. Rather, MU made a push for the "Final $4M" the week immediately after the glorious victory over Kentucky.

[MU Viking]

Butler did a study and said a Final Four run was worth $600 Million in publicity.
http://www.butlersports.com/sports/m-baskbl/2010-11/releases/040111aab

Thanks, Litehouse. That's even more than I thought!

[Litehouse]

I just noticed their estimate included $100,000,000 for playing in the national championship game. So just making the Final Four was worth $539,273,881.82.