When the Pac-10 announced its eye-popping $3-billion media-rights deal last month — with the likelihood of even more money flowing from the future creation of a conference TV network — it didn't take long for officials at the league's smallest programs to start thinking about how the infusion of cash will help.

 

With the conference's smallest budget, at $38-million, Washington State University officials have visions of sprucing up tired facilities, expanding recruiting budgets, and strengthening the department's overall finances. The Cougars, which rely on direct institutional support and student fees for nearly one-fifth of their revenue, should be able to gradually scale back on the annual $5-million subsidy they receive from the university, says Elson S. Floyd, the president. The added TV money comes at a good time, as the campus has sustained a 50-percent hit to its state appropriation over the past four years.

 

Click the following link to read the full article in the Chronicle of Higher Education