The Bison's Leap: Why North Dakota Should Double Down on NDSU Football
Let’s cut to the chase: North Dakota State University’s football program isn’t just a sports team—it’s a cultural and economic powerhouse. And yet, the state’s financial support for the Bison feels like an afterthought. Personally, I think this is a colossal oversight. As NDSU makes its historic move to the FBS, the highest level of college football, the state should not just maintain its funding—it should increase it. Bold statement? Maybe. But hear me out.
The Bison as Brand Ambassadors
What many people don’t realize is that NDSU football is essentially a mobile billboard for North Dakota. When the Bison travel to cities like Las Vegas, San Jose, or Honolulu, they’re not just playing a game—they’re putting the state on the map. In my opinion, this is priceless. Fargo, a city of roughly 125,000 people, becomes a household name in metropolitan areas with populations in the millions. If you take a step back and think about it, no other entity in North Dakota has this kind of reach.
Here’s a detail that I find especially interesting: the Bison’s games aren’t just about touchdowns and tackles. They’re about tourism, economic impact, and brand recognition. A single home game can inject millions into the local economy, from hotel stays to restaurant visits. What this really suggests is that NDSU football isn’t just a sports program—it’s an economic development tool.
The Funding Paradox
One thing that immediately stands out is the stark disparity in funding between NDSU and its peers. According to USA Today, only 26% of NDSU’s athletic budget comes from state allocations or student fees. Compare that to South Dakota State (48%) or the University of South Dakota (62%). Even some of NDSU’s new FBS competitors, like Sacramento State (84%), rely heavily on public funds.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how NDSU has thrived despite this underfunding. The $55 million indoor practice facility? Privately funded. The $12.5 million entry fee to the Mountain West Conference? Covered by donors. The Bison have done more with less for decades, and yet, the state seems hesitant to invest further.
From my perspective, this is shortsighted. NDSU’s success isn’t just a win for the university—it’s a win for the entire state. The Bison’s move to the FBS isn’t just about football; it’s about elevating North Dakota’s profile on a national stage.
The Tourism Angle: A Missed Opportunity?
Here’s a thought: what if we treated NDSU football like a tourist attraction? Crazy, right? But consider this: the state of Montana recently granted its university athletic department $100,000 to boost tourism. Why can’t North Dakota do the same? The Bison draw thousands of fans to Fargo every season, many of whom are out-of-state visitors. That’s not just sports fandom—that’s tourism dollars.
A million dollars annually from the state’s tourism budget could be a game-changer. It’s not just about funding the team; it’s about investing in the state’s visibility and economic growth. Personally, I think this is a no-brainer. The Bison are already doing the heavy lifting—why not give them the tools to do even more?
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake?
If you take a step back and think about it, NDSU’s move to the FBS is a watershed moment for North Dakota. It’s a chance to compete on the biggest stage in college football, to attract national media attention, and to inspire a new generation of fans. But it’s also a chance to redefine what a state university can achieve with the right support.
What this really suggests is that the state’s investment in NDSU isn’t just about football—it’s about ambition. It’s about saying, ‘We believe in our university, our students, and our future.’ And yet, the conversation often gets bogged down in debates about coach salaries or budget allocations.
In my opinion, this is missing the forest for the trees. The Bison’s success is North Dakota’s success. Every game, every win, every appearance on national television is an opportunity to showcase the state’s spirit and potential.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
Here’s the bottom line: NDSU football is more than a game. It’s a catalyst for economic growth, a platform for state pride, and a beacon for national attention. As the Bison take their next giant leap, the state should be right there with them, not just as a spectator, but as a partner.
Personally, I think the question isn’t whether North Dakota can afford to invest more in NDSU football—it’s whether it can afford not to. The Bison have proven time and again that they can punch above their weight. Now, it’s time for the state to step up and ensure they have the resources to keep winning.
Because, let’s be honest, can you really put a price on putting North Dakota on the national map? I don’t think so.
