LSU projects $26M athletics deficit after $44M shortfall; PE plan pending

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Louisiana Illuminator’s Piper Hutchinson reports that LSU President Wade Rousse told the Louisiana Board of Regents on Tuesday the athletic department projects a $26 million deficit for the current fiscal year after a $44 million shortfall in FY 2025–26 (confirmed to the Illuminator by LSU spokeswoman Meg Sunstrom). The prior-year gap included the NCAA-max $21.5 million in direct athlete compensation; Rousse said athletics has overspent its budget by a combined $177.5 million over six years and must “stop that bleeding first.” Leadership is preparing a revenue plan with a private-equity component tied to media rights, held pending a brand valuation, and intends to keep control of the LSU brand while aiming first at athletics cash and later system revenue.