FBS schools pay FCS schools primarily for a mutually beneficial arrangement that serves strategic scheduling and financial needs for both collegiate football divisions. This practice ensures a guaranteed home win for the FBS team while providing a vital financial lifeline for the FCS program.
Understanding the Strategic Alliance
The dynamic between Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams in non-conference scheduling is a long-standing tradition in college football. It's a pragmatic approach to scheduling that addresses the unique requirements and challenges faced by programs at different levels of collegiate athletics.
Key Benefits for FBS Schools
For FBS programs, scheduling games against FCS opponents, often referred to as "guarantee games," offers several distinct advantages:
- Assured Home Win: The primary draw for an FBS school is the high probability of securing a home win. These games are typically designed to boost the team's record early in the season, providing a confidence builder before more challenging conference play begins.
- Schedule Flexibility: They serve as reliable fillers for non-conference schedules, ensuring a full slate of games without the significant travel costs or competitive risk associated with playing another Power Five or even Group of Five opponent.
- Revenue Generation: Hosting a home game, regardless of the opponent's division, generates significant revenue through ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, and local economic activity. This financial influx is crucial for funding the athletic department's operations.
Crucial Advantages for FCS Schools
While these matchups might seem lopsided on the field, they are immensely valuable to FCS programs, particularly from a financial standpoint:
- Financial Injection: The payment received from an FBS school for playing a guarantee game is often a substantial "cash injection" for the FCS school's athletic department. For many FCS programs, this single payout can constitute a significant portion of their annual operating budget, funding everything from scholarships and equipment to travel and coaching salaries.
- Exposure and Recruiting: Playing against an FBS opponent, especially on national television or in a large stadium, provides invaluable exposure for FCS players and the program itself. This can aid in recruiting efforts and elevate the school's profile.
- Alumni Engagement and Location: In many instances, these games are scheduled to be geographically closer to the FCS school's alumni base. This allows more alumni and fans to attend, fostering greater engagement and potentially reducing travel costs for the FCS team. For example, teams like Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona have historically benefited from playing regional FBS opponents, providing an opportunity for their fan base to see them compete.
The Financial and Strategic Exchange
The table below summarizes the core benefits for both divisions in these strategic matchups:
| Aspect | Benefits for FBS Schools | Benefits for FCS Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Incentive | Securing a predictable home win to bolster their record. | Obtaining a crucial cash injection for their athletic department. |
| Scheduling Impact | Fills non-conference slots efficiently, often early season. | Provides a high-profile game, sometimes closer to alumni bases. |
| Revenue Generation | Generates significant game-day revenue from tickets, concessions. | Payments are a vital part of their annual budget, supporting operations. |
| Competitive Impact | Allows for a 'tune-up' game before tougher conference play. | Opportunity for players to compete against higher-level competition. |
Ultimately, the arrangement is a cornerstone of college football scheduling, providing a reliable pathway for FBS teams to manage their schedules and generate revenue, while offering a critical financial lifeline and valuable exposure for FCS programs.
