system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why do American colleges and universities spend millions of dollars on non-revenue generating athletic teams?
gpt
They DO generate revenue.  Just not directly. It is advertising for schools.  

Schools with great athletic teams have high numbers of applicants regardless of the tuition charged.  Great athletic teams also result in generous alumni donations.  Every time you watch "your" team play, it renews your sense of loyalty to your school making you more likely to send a donation when that letter or phone call comes.