Financial Advantages of Independence

Notre Dame's independent status in college football has provided significant financial benefits, particularly during their national championship run. By reaching various playoff milestones, they secured $20 million in performance bonuses, all of which they retain without sharing any revenue with other schools. In contrast, teams like Ohio State receive only a fraction of that amount, as their performance bonuses are dispersed among conference members. This financial setup exemplifies how Notre Dame capitalizes on its unique position, allowing the university to garner significantly more funds than its conference-affiliated counterparts.