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Jul 31, 2026, 5:04 AM CUT

Michigan Wolverines to pay $1.6 million to in-state rival for each game

Michigan Wolverines have added Central Michigan to their future nonconference schedule, with the Chippewas set to visit Ann Arbor in 2028 and 2031.

FBSchedules.com obtained the contract through a state Freedom of Information Act request. Under the agreement, Michigan will pay Central Michigan $1.6 million for each game.

The Wolverines will host the Chippewas at Michigan Stadium on September 2, 2028, and again on August 30, 2031. Central Michigan became Michigan's first confirmed nonconference opponent for both seasons.

As per FBSchedules, Michigan and Central Michigan have played five times since 1931. The Wolverines have won each meeting.

NCAA, College League, USA Football 2024: CFP National Championship Washington vs Michigan JAN 08 January 08, 2024: A view of Michigan running back Blake Corum 2 helmet stickers during College Football Playoff National Championship game action between the Washington Huskies and the Michigan Wolverines at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. John Mersits/CSM Credit Image: Â John Mersits/Cal Media California USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20240108_zma_c04_132.jpg JohnxMersitsx csmphotothree220940

Their most recent contest came in 2025 when the Wolverines opened the season with a 63-3 victory over the Chippewas.

Those additions also leave Michigan with two remaining nonconference openings in both the 2028 and 2031 schedules as the program continues to build future calendars.

Central Michigan, meanwhile, now has three of its four non-conference opponents lined up for 2028, including a road game at Tennessee that carries a reported $1.3 million guarantee.

The agreement also highlights the financial position Michigan continues to enjoy compared with most programs across college football.

Michigan's football brand remains among college football's elite

Paying $1.6 million for a nonconference opponent is another reminder of Michigan's financial strength. The Wolverines remain one of the sport's most valuable programs, giving them resources few schools can match.

According to Sports Illustrated's Ethan Niewoehner, The Athletic recently valued Michigan football at $2 billion, placing the Wolverines fourth among all college football programs behind Texas, Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Niewoehner noted that Michigan's estimated worth exceeds that of most NHL franchises, several Major League Baseball teams and all but a handful of English Premier League clubs.

The ranking comes despite an eventful stretch for the program. Michigan has dealt with coaching changes, NCAA scrutiny and the departure of former head coach Sherrone Moore, while first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham now leads the program into a new era.

Niewoehner believes Michigan is well-positioned to handle those changes because of its national brand and financial resources.

The Athletic recently valued Michigan football at $2 billion. That financial strength was on display again when the Wolverines agreed to pay Central Michigan $1.6 million for each of its two future trips to Ann Arbor.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi