The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are set to take on the Delaware Blue Hens on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Week 6 of the college football season. The game will take place at Delaware Stadium in Newark, Delaware, kicking off at 7 p.m. ET. Fans eager to catch the action can do so live on CBSSN or via streaming services such as DirecTV and FuboTV, both of which offer free trials.
As college football continues to capture fans’ attention, there are underlying economic discussions unfolding, particularly in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). A noteworthy example is Montana State’s recent experience in the FCS playoffs, where despite achieving a spot in the championship game, the school faced a significant financial setback, reporting a loss of $40,000. Such circumstances are not isolated, as many of the 24 playoff teams typically either break even or lose money, prompting critical conversations among FCS officials.
Tom Wistrcill, the Big Sky Conference Commissioner, has emphasized the urgent need for change, stating, “We’re sharing revenue with our student-athletes now, so that leads us to a place where we’ve got to find new revenue streams.” In exploring these avenues, FCS commissioners recently met with representatives from Sequence Equity, a private equity firm that presented a proposal aimed at transforming the FCS playoffs into a profitable venture. Wistrcill highlighted that this could lead to significant financial support, with projected revenues potentially benefiting all participating schools, similar to how revenue from the Bowl Subdivision’s College Football Playoff is distributed.
However, transitioning the FCS playoffs from an NCAA-managed event to a private enterprise faces several hurdles, including compliance with NCAA rules and a current television contract with ESPN that runs until 2032. Notably, North Dakota State’s recent victory in the FCS championship game demonstrated the potential for substantial viewership, with an average of 2.4 million viewers and peak numbers of 3.1 million.
Despite the challenges, Wistrcill’s optimism shines through as he explores ways to enhance the financial landscape for FCS programs. He expresses a desire for a more equitable distribution of revenue generated from football, recognizing the need for modifications to promote a broader range of teams beyond traditional powerhouses like North Dakota and Montana in the championship arena.
The discussions surrounding private equity investment highlight a critical juncture for FCS institutions, prompting a re-evaluation of funding structures that could potentially revitalize the division’s financial health, enhance competition, and foster broader engagement across different regions of the country. As stakeholders navigate this complex landscape, the hope remains for a more lucrative future for FCS football, benefiting not only schools but also the players and communities they represent.