LARAMIE, Wyoming (Sept. 10, 2025) – Wyoming Athletics and Collegiate Consulting have released a comprehensive valuation study demonstrating that the University of Wyoming's intercollegiate athletics program provides an average annual economic impact of $206.4 million, reinforcing its role as a major contributor to the University, the City of Laramie and the State of Wyoming. Over the three-year analysis period, Wyoming Athletics delivered a total impact of more than $619 million, highlighting its wide-ranging value to the state.
 
"Wyoming Athletics chose to undertake this study because we read a few reports Collegiate Consulting did for other athletics programs and we were very impressed by their knowledge of the sports industry and how communities and states are impacted," UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman said.  "It also answers a few questions we have received over the last few years from legislators about the impact of Division I athletics on the state and university from a marketing and branding perspective." 
 
The study, which primarily examined fiscal years 2022 through 2024, assessed the program's contributions in media exposure, student-athlete and staff economic impact, and game-day and event spending. Wyoming athletics produced $288.8 million in advertising value across television, streaming, and social media during the three-year period. Athletic events, summer camps, and non-athletic uses of facilities added another $145.4 million to the local economy.
 
Meanwhile, the direct and indirect impact of student-athletes and athletics staff at UW generated $112.3 million for Laramie and the surrounding region.
 
Athletic revenues also played a significant role, contributing $72.7 million over three years from sponsorships, media rights, and other external sources. Football remained the single largest driver of economic activity, accounting for $71.4 million of the total $104.9 million game-day impact during this period, followed by men's and women's basketball.
 
"The University of Wyoming is not only the state's flagship institution, but also its flagship brand," said Russell Wright, Founder & Managing Director of Collegiate Consulting. "This study quantifies the economic value of Cowboy and Cowgirl Athletics, illustrating how they strengthen the University, enrich the student experience, and fuel local and statewide economic growth. Athletics is deeply intertwined with Wyoming's identity and future prosperity."
 
Founded in 2005, Collegiate Consulting has worked with more than 750 universities, colleges, conferences, and associations nationwide. The firm specializes in feasibility studies, strategic planning, enrollment analysis, and economic valuations that help higher education institutions maximize both academic and athletic impact.
 
This study was done with private fundraising dollars generated by the Cowboy Joe Club.