Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Tennessee Athletics generated more than $1.1 billion in economic impact across the state during the 2025 fiscal year, according to a new economic impact study commissioned by the University of Tennessee.
The report, prepared by economic research firm Tripp Umbach, examined the impact of Tennessee Athletics through capital investments, daily operations, events, and visitor spending. University officials say the findings demonstrate the significant role Volunteers athletics plays in supporting economic growth throughout Tennessee and especially in Knox County.
“Tennessee Athletics stands as one of Tennessee’s premier economic engines, generating over $1.1 billion in total economic impact for FY25,” said Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White. “This includes $410 million in direct spending and nearly $740 million in indirect and induced economic activity, highlighting our department’s undeniable impact on the state’s economic growth, job creation and tax revenue.”
According to the report, Tennessee Athletics generated a total statewide economic impact of $1.15 billion. That figure includes $410.2 million in direct spending through payroll, operating expenses, and capital projects, along with $739.8 million in indirect and induced economic activity. The athletic department’s impact also generated $53.9 million in state tax revenue.
Major Impact on Knox County
The report found Tennessee Athletics generated $931.5 million in total economic activity within Knox County alone.
Of that total, $332.2 million came from direct spending, while an additional $599.2 million stemmed from indirect and induced economic activity.
The athletics program also supported 6,576 jobs throughout Knox County, including 2,042 direct jobs and 4,534 indirect and induced positions. Local governments benefited as well, with Tennessee Athletics generating an estimated $43.7 million in local tax revenue.
Capital Projects Fuel Growth
Capital improvement projects, including stadium renovations and facility upgrades, accounted for a significant share of the economic impact.
The report found capital investments generated $237.2 million in economic activity within Knox County, supported 1,567 jobs, and produced approximately $7 million in local tax revenue.
Operations and Events Drive Spending
Day-to-day athletic department operations created an additional $366.1 million in economic impact, supported 2,588 jobs, and generated $12.8 million in local tax revenue.
Meanwhile, sporting events and visitor spending provided another major boost to the local economy. Visitors traveling to Knoxville for Tennessee athletic events contributed an estimated $316.5 million to Knox County.
According to the study, that spending supported approximately 2,325 jobs and generated $23.3 million in direct and indirect tax revenue.
University leaders say the findings reinforce Knoxville’s reputation as a premier college sports destination and highlight the broad economic benefits associated with Tennessee Athletics beyond wins and losses on the field.
The full economic impact report is available through Tennessee Athletics.
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Tennessee Athletics, University of Tennessee, UT Knoxville, Volunteers, Vols, Danny White, economic impact, Knoxville economy, Knox County, college athletics, SEC, Neyland Stadium, Tennessee sports, visitor spending, economic development, job creation, tax revenue, Tripp Umbach, UT sports, East Tennessee economy
