So how long is it? And when does the clock start?
At this point, why bother answering you? No matter what response I give you are going to nit-pick it (be honest).
Like for instance,
and I am sure you are well aware of this, that the "parent" entity Washington State
University sets aside revenue annually (net of specific expenses) to fund future bond and general debt repayment requirement for various programs within the umbrella of the University system. As you are a well educated individual you'll already know that these allocations show up as a cash expense on the University's income statement and are transferred to their balance sheet as a restricted liquid asset. This is not to be confused with
cash-out-the-door expenses. The Athletic Department debt obligations are roughly $5.2 million annually as of FYE 2016. That is an over estimation btw as I didn't feel like hearing you whine that I am not being conservative enough.
The University's Athletic Department revenue allocation (which is constantly adjusting) as reported is currently $22.9 million. Without accounting for anything else (adjustments in future revenue/expenses/etc.. or future revenue allocation) the revenue allocation can service the Athletic Department annual debt obligations for roughly 4 and a half more years before the Athletic Department will have to start servicing the debt themselves. This is unlikely to happen as the University constantly adds/adjusts this value each fiscal year.
Now before you scream "BUT THE UNIVERSITY SHOULDN'T BE PAYING FOR STADIUMS AND OTHER ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT DEBTS!!!" I just want to point out that this is a national standard.
Even income positive athletic departments rarely fund the entirety of their own debt themselves.... But but but $22.9 million is a lot you say? Not really, actually. The University's total equity as reported is
$1.6 Billion... with a "B". Their revenue allocation to athletics is a mere 1.4% of equity... in the big business world we call this "Pocket Change". Their revenue allocation is also amongst the lowest of all of the "other related university entities and projects".
Can the University as a whole improve financially? Yes.
Can they cut excess spending to improve their bottom line? Yes.
Can the Athletic Department improve financially? Yes.
Are they improving financially? Yes - Revenue increased YOY by $5.6 million - One of the best in growth amongst the University System's related entities. They also have $3.3 million in unearned revenue in the pipeline as well.
Can Athletics cut excess spending to improve their bottom line? Yes. It is a goal of Moos and the University to find ways of becoming more efficient, but we also must grow our "brand". As expenses are cut in one area, they are added toward new projects in other areas.
Did Athletics report a loss last year? Yes.
Is it a full $13 million out the door? No.
Can they improve? Yes.
Are we in a catastrophe state? No. Not at all.
Now are you still going to continue to whine and imply my head is in the sand? Or are you going to step down from your high horse....?