Badgers’ Economic Impact? $610 Million

MADISON, Wis. — In athletics, statistics matter. For Wisconsin Athletics, two numbers stand out from a recently completed economic impact report.

The Badgers provide a $610 million total annual economic impact for the state of Wisconsin.

Zoom in on the city of Madison and the Badgers provide a $395 million total annual economic impact for the local community. That’s also 1.8 million visitors to the city each year.

Completed in June with Econsult Solutions, Inc., the economic impact report sheds light on the many economic benefits the Badgers’ 23 athletic teams and supporting organization bring to the area through hosting football games, other sports competitions and other events like high school state tournaments, concerts and more.

“The fact that Badger Athletics has such an impact on our city, region and state is a great source of pride for us,” said Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez. “Our athletic program is woven into the fabric of not only the Madison area, but all over our great state.

“The financial figures back that up and they go hand-in-hand with the strong bond we have with the residents of our state.”

Notably, the $610 million impact equates to 4,480 jobs and a $12 million tax revenue impact. In Madison, the $395 million impact brings 2,950 jobs and a $1.7 million tax revenue impact.

Fall Saturdays at Camp Randall Stadium? Each home football game provides $16 million in total economic impact on the Wisconsin economy.

The report also highlights the Badgers’ impact more specifically in direct spending by athletic department operations, capital investments, attendee spending, ancillary spending and broader societal impacts.

The full report is available online here – https://uwbadgers.com/economicimpact.