As another summer comes to a close and football season returns, many of us look forward to familiar traditions. For us, that means Saturdays spent cheering on college football and Sundays rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether it’s gathering with family and friends to watch a game, firing up the grill, or simply enjoying the first hints of fall, this time of year always feels like a fresh start.
Football season also creates a little friendly rivalry around our office. Within The Legacy Group, four of us proudly support the Gators, but our team also includes fans of Iowa, Miami, Georgia, Auburn, and even two Alabama supporters. Needless to say, there are plenty of spirited conversations on Monday mornings. While we may disagree on who should be ranked #1, we can all agree on one thing: the teams that consistently succeed are usually the ones with a plan.
College football has changed dramatically over the last few years, and it has become an interesting lesson in economics. Most fans are familiar with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), but many are surprised to learn just how much money has entered the sport. Some major programs’ rosters are built on investing $30 million – $40 million each year through combinations of NIL agreements and athlete revenue-sharing programs.
The sport itself has become an economic powerhouse. Between television contracts, sponsorships, ticket sales, licensing agreements, donations, and postseason revenues, college athletics generates billions of dollars each year, with football serving as the primary driver for many major universities. What started as a conversation about student-athletes being able to profit from their name and image has quickly evolved into one of the most fascinating business stories in America today.
What stands out to me is that even with all that money flowing through college athletics, there are still no guarantees. The highest-spending team does not always win, the preseason favorite does not always make the playoff, and one great player is rarely enough to carry an entire program. Success usually comes from leadership, preparation, discipline, and a commitment to a long-term strategy.
We think the same can be said for investing. Every year brings a different set of headlines and concerns. As we have clearly seen this year, financial markets will experience good days and bad days, economies will expand and contract, and experts will continue making predictions about what comes next. While those events can be important, we’ve found that long-term success is often less about reacting to every development and more about staying focused on the goals that matter most.
Championships aren’t won with one play. Financial success isn’t created by one investment. Both require a disciplined game plan executed consistently over time.
As we move into the final months of the year, this can be a good opportunity to revisit goals, review tax planning opportunities, and make sure important items such as beneficiary designations and estate documents remain up to date. Just as coaches spend time reviewing the first half of the season before preparing for the games ahead, this season offers a natural opportunity to evaluate where you are and where you want to go.
As always, we are grateful for the trust you place in our team. It is a privilege to serve as your advisor and help navigate the financial decisions that accompany life’s many seasons. As we leave summer behind and look ahead to the opportunities that fall will bring, The Legacy Group wishes you a wonderful season filled with family, friends, and perhaps a few victories from your favorite team along the way.
P.S. Exciting News within The Legacy Group & an Inaugural Community Event!
The Legacy Group News:
We are excited to officially welcome Brae Abdon to our team. Brae joined our team full-time in May as a Client Service Associate after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing.
As a Polk County native, Brae is passionate about serving our local community and brings a fresh perspective, new ideas, and a commitment to helping us deliver an exceptional client experience in an ever-evolving world. We have already enjoyed seeing the positive impact Brae has had on our team. Plus, she happens to be an avid Florida Gator fan as well…
The next time you visit our office, please be sure to introduce yourself and help us welcome Brae to the team. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the value she will bring to our clients for years to come!
Color Wave Walls | Lakeland’s First Open Air Museum of Art
This November 4-16th, 11 large-scale murals by nationally and internationally recognized artists will transform walls throughout Downtown Lakeland into a walkable exhibition. More than a festival, Color Wave Walls is an investment in Lakeland’s cultural landscape, bringing world-class public art into the places our community knows and loves, while creating something meaningful for the next generation. Learn more about the project, explore the artists, or discover ways to support Color Wave Walls.
September 2026
