Irs Backs Off From Boosters

Big-time college athletics got an assist from an unlikely corner when the Internal Revenue Service ruled that boosters can deduct most of the donations they make to lease stadium skyboxes.

The ruling in the case of Nebraska businessman Rod French means major schools such as Nebraska, Penn State and Texas will not have to rethink their methods for funding their athletic departments.

At issue was whether boosters should be allowed to deduct part of their contribution as a charitable donation if they receive the right to lease a skybox in exchange.