How does Booster money work?

[BigSteve09]

I feel like a lot of members talk about boosters and booster money, but we talk about it as a concept or a general idea and don't know the specifics.

I know that it's usually cut and dry simple. Write the University or Athletic Department a check, they make use of the money, you're a big time booster.

Is that all it takes? The booster gets a number, or conceives a number that they think is sufficient, then they donate it and we all keep it moving?

Being a booster, or being involved that closely with the program has always been interesting to me.

What if the boosters disagree on who should be the next head coach? Is their a committee approach in which they all must agree then the dollars are moved? Can one booster outbid another on a big time decision that could effect the program?

Does the University have to provide proof of who paid what with what money when and how?

Please, someone enlighten me.

 

[BruinVol]

I don't think I would say one booster can buy his choice over others but the more money one gives, the more ear that person has of the AD.

IMO a good AD will include big boosters in big decisions by consulting them and making them feel they are apart of the decision process. It is my hope that they are not in charge of the final decisions. It is very dangerous to allow independent people to have that much power.

Simply put the AD and boosters all have to work together and that's a very tough job

 

[tvolsfan]

How does Booster money work?

Like Monopoly money.

 

[BigSteve09]

I don't know if anyone else here has ever been on HowStuffWorks.com or listened to their podcast, but I would love a version about big time boosters.

 

[LA Vol]

Boosters are a lot like lobbyists, only the currency is money instead of votes. Booster bucks usually come with strings attached, especially if they're earmarked; i.e., I will give you $1M for a coaching search... and here's a list of some good prospects.

Hart's a maverick and he isn't playing the game. He's following his own path and not communicating what that is.

 

[Thump]

Boosters are a lot like lobbyists, only the currency is money instead of votes. Booster bucks usually come with strings attached, especially if they're earmarked; i.e., I will give you $1M for a coaching search... and here's a list of some good prospects.

Hart's a maverick and he isn't playing the game. He's following his own path and not communicating what that is.

Boosters can donate General money to the AD for which the AD can do with it whatever it wants as long as it is for the benefit of the AD. They can also put restrictions on the money as mentioned above. Restricted money goes into a restricted account on the books of the AD. The money in the account can only be spent when it meets the qualifications of the restriction. Obviously the more money you donate, the more say you have in decisions due the AD wanting to keep the cash flow coming in.

I would also guess that in the AD they put "pledge cards" or feelers out when it comes to coaching changes to see if there are enough boosters to foot the buyouts and the increase in salary of the new coach. When enough boosters are pissed, change happens...