Division I Kansas Athletics: KU, KSU, and WSU
Powering Kansas’ Economy
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The Challenge
Kansas’ three Division I athletics programs, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, wanted to demonstrate the full scale of their impact on the state. Beyond wins and championships, they aimed to show how athletics drives economic activity, supports jobs, generates tax revenue, and strengthens community identity across Kansas.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach conducted a statewide economic impact study analyzing the combined effects of Kansas’ Division I athletics programs. The study examined operational and capital spending, student-athlete expenditures, and visitor-related activity to quantify both direct and ripple effects throughout the state.
The study found that Kansas Division I athletics programs generate $1.55 billion in total economic impact statewide, including $479.0 million in direct spending and $1.07 billion in indirect and induced activity. Collectively, these programs support 13,613 jobs across Kansas, including 1,723 direct positions and 11,890 additional jobs sustained through related economic activity. In addition, Division I athletics contributes $93.6 million in combined state and local tax revenue.