NCAA Basketball: 10 most valuable programs in terms of finances

2. Louisville

Market Value: $705 Million

What helped: The KFC Yum! Center does financial wonders for this program. The state-of-the-art venue is home to massive ticket revenue from sellout crowds, plus big money from hosting NCAA Tournament games every year.

Why it’s not higher: There’s another basketball school about 70 miles east.

Overall: In addition to Yum! Center cash flow, Louisville plays many nationally televised games in the ACC and nonconference. The Cardinals have also seen plenty of postseason success and they’re backed by a proud, supportive community. Louisville Cardinals basketball proves that an NBA team would do just fine in Kentucky. Louisville ranks 2nd in 3-year average revenue at $53.6 million – miles ahead of 3rd-place Indiana ($37.5 million).

1. Kentucky

Market Value: $862 Million

What helped: Raking in over $1 million in ticket sales per game. That alone would rank Kentucky in the top 20 most valuable programs.

Why it’s not higher: Maybe they could boost margins by not flying in private jets.

Overall: Ticket revenue is just the beginning. Kentucky has more NCAA Tournament wins than any school in the last decade, meaning substantial postseason distribution receipts. The Wildcats also benefit from SEC Network and nationally televised (ESPN/CBS) exposure. And just like their counterparts down I-64, there’s a treasure trove of alumni support. In addition to a spaceship-like locker room, the Wildcats hone their skills in a donor-funded $30-million practice facility.

For more context on this valuation, the Memphis Grizzlies ($1.3 Billion) are the NBA’s least valuable franchise. At $862 million, Kentucky isn’t so far away.