BUCKEYE BLUEPRINT: Ross Bjork Unpacks $20.5M Revenue-Sharing Vision and Calls for More Marquee Night Games to Reward Ohio State Fans
Ross Bjork’s arrival at Ohio State as athletic director came at a critical moment, not just for the Buckeyes but for the entire college athletics landscape. With the NCAA undergoing sweeping transformations—especially in the form of the revenue-sharing model that’s reshaping amateurism—Bjork finds himself both a steward of tradition and a visionary architect for the future. His recent dive into how Ohio State plans to distribute its \$20.5 million revenue-sharing cap was more than just a financial breakdown. It was a bold affirmation of Ohio State’s place at the forefront of the evolving world of college sports, paired with a heartfelt acknowledgment of what Buckeye fans deserve most: high-profile, prime-time football under the lights in Ohio Stadium.
At the heart of Bjork’s message is clarity and intentionality. The \$20.5 million figure didn’t just appear out of thin air. It is part of the newly negotiated settlement reached in the House v. NCAA case, which established a future in which schools will be permitted—but not required—to share up to \$20.5 million in annual revenue directly with athletes. As one of the wealthiest and most recognizable athletic departments in the nation, Ohio State is not approaching this passively. Bjork emphasized the need for a structured, equitable, and athlete-first approach to how those funds will be distributed—ensuring that athletes in revenue-generating and non-revenue sports alike understand their value within the program.
This isn’t simply a logistical matter—it’s a cultural one. Bjork knows that revenue-sharing is the kind of seismic shift that will either reinforce or rupture trust among players, coaches, fans, and donors. His response? Transparency. He wants to build a revenue-sharing plan that aligns with Ohio State’s long-standing ethos of excellence, fairness, and accountability. While many universities around the country are scrambling to form committees or task forces to explore vague frameworks, Ohio State is already sketching out its blueprint. Bjork believes this is not just an opportunity to pay athletes fairly but to reinforce the university’s identity as a place where student-athletes thrive holistically—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
The challenge, of course, is balancing the fiscal mechanics of this new world order with the values that define Ohio State. The plan, Bjork noted, is not to simply cut checks. It’s about crafting a tiered system that considers multiple factors: performance, leadership, academic standing, sport-specific contributions, and more. The athletic department is collaborating with financial experts, legal teams, and athlete representatives to ensure that the ultimate structure doesn’t just comply with NCAA rules—it becomes a national model for others to follow.
And while this revenue conversation is technical, Bjork’s passion remains deeply rooted in the fan experience. That’s why he also used his platform to speak directly to the heartbeat of the program—Buckeye Nation. Specifically, he believes the fans deserve more marquee night games. It’s a point that may seem cosmetic on the surface, but for Bjork, it’s emblematic of something deeper: an institution honoring its base by creating more memorable, accessible, and electrifying moments.
Night games in Columbus are more than events—they’re communal rituals. The lights of the Horseshoe, the energy of a packed crowd under the stars, the palpable buzz of anticipation—all of it combines to create an environment that is both feared by opponents and cherished by fans. Bjork believes that Ohio State hasn’t leaned into this enough. Whether due to TV negotiations, Big Ten scheduling dynamics, or internal caution, night games haven’t been as frequent as they could be. That’s going to change.
In his view, prime-time matchups aren’t just better for recruiting and media exposure—they’re gifts to the fans. Buckeye supporters travel far, invest emotionally and financially, and pour generational loyalty into the program. Giving them more blockbuster night games, especially against premium opponents, is both a thank-you and a strategic move. It’s about doubling down on tradition while embracing the theater and spectacle of modern college football. Bjork wants the ‘Shoe to be a fortress illuminated in primetime as often as possible.
To accomplish this, he’s already engaging in discussions with TV partners and the Big Ten’s new scheduling brass. With USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington joining the conference, opportunities for coast-to-coast showdowns under the lights are abundant. Bjork believes that the Buckeyes must seize those opportunities—not just for exposure, but to give players and fans alike the spotlight they deserve. A top-10 clash against Oregon in Week 3? Why not at 7:30 p.m. with the world watching? That’s the kind of vision Bjork has.
His remarks also offered a glimpse into how Ohio State is preparing to adapt its internal operations for this new revenue-sharing future. Athlete support services are being expanded. Financial literacy programs, mental health resources, and life skills development are being prioritized. Bjork is adamant that if athletes are going to be compensated more directly, they must also be equipped to manage that responsibility. It’s about building complete individuals—not just stars on Saturday.
Some might worry about the potential tension between sports that generate revenue and those that don’t, but Bjork made it clear: equity remains a bedrock principle. Football and men’s basketball may drive the dollars, but other sports will not be neglected. In fact, he sees this shift as a way to reassert Ohio State’s all-sport dominance. The women’s volleyball team, wrestling program, and Olympic sports are going to benefit from a rising tide. This isn’t a time to narrow focus—it’s a chance to raise the standard across all programs.
Moreover, Bjork addressed the unique position of Ohio State in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) ecosystem. While NIL continues to evolve independently of revenue-sharing, the two are deeply intertwined in the minds of players and stakeholders. Bjork wants to ensure that Ohio State doesn’t fall into the trap of reacting to trends but rather leads the nation in coordinated, compliant, and impactful NIL efforts. That means more structured partnerships, closer university-athlete collaboration, and enhanced donor engagement.
Ohio State already has one of the most robust donor networks in college athletics. Bjork believes those relationships will only grow stronger when there’s clarity and purpose behind every dollar spent. He’s inviting them to be co-architects of a new era, one where generosity doesn’t just fund facilities or uniforms—it directly impacts the lives of student-athletes in visible and lasting ways.
Bjork’s transparency about the revenue-sharing cap also signals a new phase in athletic department communication. Rather than hiding behind vague terms or bureaucratic language, he is meeting the moment with specificity and boldness. Fans, alumni, media, and even rival administrators are watching Ohio State closely—not just for wins and losses, but for leadership. And with Bjork at the helm, there’s a clear commitment to being the pace-setter in the post-amateurism era.
His commitment to more night games also feeds into a larger vision about game-day culture. Bjork wants every Ohio State home game to feel like an event—not just for 60 minutes on the field but across an entire weekend. That includes enhanced tailgate zones, digital experiences, more family-friendly offerings, and collaborations with local businesses to create immersive weekends. The goal is simple: make Columbus the epicenter of college football culture every fall.
And he’s not doing this alone. Bjork has engaged deeply with head coach Ryan Day, key university leaders, and a broad coalition of student-athletes. They understand that revenue-sharing isn’t just a number—it’s a promise. A promise that every athlete who wears the scarlet and gray will be supported, recognized, and rewarded for their role in making Ohio State a powerhouse. It’s also a promise to the fans, that their passion is reflected not just in ticket prices but in the experience they receive.
Bjork’s twin messages—about revenue-sharing and the need for more night games—are deeply connected by a shared philosophy: honoring the past while aggressively shaping the future. For decades, Ohio State has been synonymous with tradition, dominance, and excellence. Now, it’s carving out a new chapter—one that recognizes that college sports have changed forever and that those changes, when handled correctly, can lead to something even greater.
As the Buckeyes prepare for a future where players are paid, primetime moments are cherished, and fans are valued like never before, Ross Bjork stands as a pivotal figure. He’s not just balancing spreadsheets—he’s elevating expectations. From \$20.5 million revenue-sharing plans to the glow of night games at the Horseshoe, Bjork’s Ohio State isn’t just ready for what’s next—it’s defining it.
