UAB Football’s Return Represents New Model But Challenges Remain

| June 2, 2015 

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UAB football supporters cheered university president Ray Watts’ decision Monday to reinstate the school’s football, bowling and rifle programs. He cut the teams in December citing costs. But Watts also had a message for those fans — be ready to show significant support.

That’s because football will depend on fundraising. Watts says the university will cap its support of athletics at $20 million a year. Money to cover additional costs and new facilities will have to come from donors, business and the community.

WBHM’s Andrew Yeager spoke with Malcolm Moran. He’s the director of the Nation Sports Journalism Center at Indiana University. He says UAB’s move represents a new model, particularly for schools outside of the largest athletic conferences.

 

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