December 7, 2010

With an Assist From Alabama, Southeastern Conference Breaks the $1-Billion Mark

Trent Richardson - Alabama

Dave Martin, AP Images

The U. of Alabama rose to No. 2 on the list of the biggest revenue-producing college sports programs.

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close Trent Richardson - Alabama

Dave Martin, AP Images

The U. of Alabama rose to No. 2 on the list of the biggest revenue-producing college sports programs.

By Libby Sander

It's official: The Southeastern Conference is the charter member of college sports' $1-billion club.

SEE RELATED GRAPHICS: Athletic Revenue Increases

Thanks to a lucrative television contract and robust earnings generated by several highly ranked football teams, the 12 athletic programs in the league brought in $1,006,798,094 during the 2009-10 fiscal year,