This is unfortunately the dark side of college sports that has changed in recent years. Have you noticed that prices have skyrocketed to attend some football and hoops action? It's not just for the Tennessee basketball and football squads.
This is a problem that is sweeping that nation. Unfortunately for a longtime Tennessee hoops supporter, he's learning the hard way that the university has to find a way to bring in more revenue to keep top players in town due to enormous NIL deals.
This week, Thomas L. Bailey is going viral after he let everyone know via the Knoxville News Sentinel that he can no longer afford his season tickets after a roughly 300 percent price jump. He's been a season-ticket holder since 1967:
Justice for Thomas L. Bailey. 🤬 pic.twitter.com/RmACXcalHU
— College Sports Only 🏈🏀⚾️ (@CollegeSportsO) July 31, 2025
Longtime Vols basketball fan getting priced out of season tickets is a rough look
You've got to feel bad for Mr. Bailey, an 88-year-old UT supporter who has been making his way to the stadium for longer than a lot of people have been alive. In his letter, he claimed that he paid $1,480 for his tickets last year, but now that number is being jumped to $4,488 for the 2025-26 campaign.
Hey Danny White, is this how we treat people in Knoxville who have been supporting the program for such a long time? Bailey probably has enjoyed seeing the Vols and Rick Barnes reach the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons. He must have been over the moon when Jahmai Mashack drilled his game-winner against Alabama at the buzzer.
With Nate Ament, Ja'Kobi Gillespie and other new studs in town, it's looking to be another season to remember for the Vols. However, Bailey might have to end up watching the games from home unless things are made right.
People all over social media are letting Tennessee and Danny White have it for this news. Thus far, no new updates have come in on this particular situation, but we certainly hope Bailey is back at Thompson-Boling Arena later this year where he belongs.