UT has a half billion in cash and investment accounts. It's not a secret, their financials are posted on line. They are even taking on Martin Methodist in Pulaski now - which was having to be propped up by the UMC for decades. I'm sure they can do the financial projection making assumptions on the percentage of tickets sold, seat donations, concessions, gear, licensing, etc. as the economy recovers from COVID economic suicide - which it will. The new ESPN deal can be used to rebuild reserves with the $15 M annually. They probably hope boosters will step in to cushion the blow. But the blow is coming whether it happens this year or next. The question is how big of blow? They can pull the trigger now, pay out the money to change, and earn many millions back beginning next year. Or they can kick the can and hope the economy has recovered along with enough fans losing their memories to buy the tickets for next season.
That later position is what they want to do, the former position is what they should do. As my experience as a business banker for many years proved out, the old adage of "never throwing good money after bad" proved to be 100% truth. The bad is evident - in full view for all to see including the vast majority of the fan base who is out on Jeremy. "Empty Neyland" will not have to be promoted by Nega-Vols next season.