A sensational headline has made the rounds on social media, claiming that Elon Musk has made an $11 billion offer to purchase the Ohio State University football program. While the notion might make for an entertaining hypothetical or April Fools’ joke, it has no basis in legal or practical reality. Not only has there been no credible news confirming such a move, but the idea itself fundamentally misunderstands how college sports programs are structured and governed.
To start with, Ohio State football is not a standalone business entity like a professional sports team. It is part of The Ohio State University, a public institution funded in part by the state of Ohio and governed by public oversight. As such, its football team is not an asset that can simply be bought or sold on the open market. Unlike the Dallas Cowboys or Manchester United, Ohio State’s football program is woven into the fabric of a public educational institution. Attempting to “buy” it would be akin to trying to purchase a branch of the U.S. military or a city police department.
Even if we momentarily entertained the fantasy, there are insurmountable legal and administrative hurdles. Public universities operate under a state charter, with boards of trustees, academic missions, and public accountability. Their athletics departments are funded by a mix of ticket sales, donations, broadcasting contracts, and student fees—not private capital from individual billionaires. Selling off the football program would not only be illegal under most state laws, but it would likely violate NCAA regulations and prompt outrage from alumni, faculty, and state legislators alike.
Furthermore, the supposed $11 billion valuation borders on the ridiculous. While Ohio State football is undoubtedly one of the most profitable and storied programs in college sports, with annual revenues exceeding $100 million, no college program has ever been valued anywhere near that amount. The entire Ohio State athletic department, facilities included, might not command even a fraction of that price on any legitimate market—if such a market existed.
The idea also clashes with the fundamental identity of college athletics. Unlike professional sports, where teams exist to generate profits for owners, college teams are (at least in theory) amateur organizations meant to foster school spirit, student development, and institutional pride. While the line between amateurism and business continues to blur with the rise of NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals and TV contracts, the foundational model remains non-commercial ownership.
In the end, rumors like this are more a reflection of the surreal nature of internet discourse than any real-world possibility. Elon Musk may have the financial power to buy many things—from social media platforms to rocket companies—but buying Ohio State football simply isn’t one of them. It’s not for sale, and more importantly, it can’t be sold.
So the next time a flashy headline claims a tech mogul is acquiring a college football dynasty, take it with a grain of salt—and maybe a laugh.
