we are talking just a few million dollars per year out of a budget of BILLIONS of dollars. The church is a massive multi billion dollar entity that receives donations (tithing, fast offerings, etc.) in the multi billions every single calendar year. That doesn't even count the revenue (billions) it gets from its for profit endeavors.

Now I am not saying that the church should use any of that money to support BYU athletics but crediting them with not putting some of it into BYU athletics as a matter of "understanding marginal benefit equals marginal cost" isn't a good reason. You sponsor an NCAA level athletic program because that is part of having a major university. It keeps alumni connected, and donating for reasons other than athletics, as well as gives rank and file church members something tangible to connect to as well.

Outside of a few thousand Utah and usu hater types most LDS take a lot of pride and connectivity in BYU athletics. And I don't care if it gives "marginal" benefit as a missionary tool, its primary purpose should not be a s a missionary tool, in fact that should be a ways down the list. The number 1 reason is because that is what top tier university do, they sponsor major athletics so BYU needs that to be somewhat integrated into the United States higher education fraternity. But it also should be for us, the members that give so much to the church in terms of money and time.

Frankly the few million it would take to give the athletic program at BYU a very large boost is insignificant to the church, it truly is.