Texas Southern's Board of Regents meets July 18 to review the NRG Stadium agreement for the Oct. 24 Southern University game, projecting $199,000 in net revenue
The agenda item goes through the board’s Athletics Committee and asks for approval so the administration can negotiate and sign a venue agreement with RCM Entertainment, L.P.
, also known as Lone Star Sports & Entertainment . LSSE is owned by Cal McNair, who also owns the Houston Texans, and his family. The agenda states that LSSE is the sole manager and operator of NRG Stadium and the only group authorized to enter into venue agreements and manage events there.
This differs from the original ownership statement, which lists Harris County, Texas, as the owner and states that it is managed by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation . Why would Texas Southern propose the venue without the Texans or Harris County donating the stadium for the financially challenged institution? The agenda states that the total event cost will not exceed $500,000.
The administration expects the game to generate $699,000 in ticket sales and sponsorships, resulting in a net gain of $199,000 for Texas Southern athletics. The agenda summary describes the move to NRG Stadium as a strategic investment, not just an expense.
Hosting this major Southwestern Athletic Conference game at the 72,220-seat stadium helps the university by raising the profile of Texas Southern athletics, building stronger ties with alumni and the community, attracting more corporate sponsors, and bringing in revenue to support the athletics program. The administration also expects the game to boost attendance and strengthen connections with alumni, supporters, and the Houston community. Southern versus Texas Southern is one of the top matchups in the SWAC.
Playing the game at the home of the Texans, which also hosts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Super Bowl LI, puts Black college football in the spotlight in the country’s fourth-largest city. Texas Southern is coming off its best season in two years, posting a 6-5 overall and 5-3 SWAC record in 2025.
The SWAC coaches and SIDs project the, to steer the Jaguars back to their winning ways after two consecutive trips to the SWAC Championship games in 2023 and 2024. The administration recommends awarding the contract to LSSE as a proprietary purchase under Texas Education Code § 51.9335.
Since LSSE is the only group permitted to enter into venue agreements at NRG Stadium, the process is proprietary and does not require competitive bidding under Texas Government Code § 2155.067. The agenda also notes that the university awards contracts that offer the best value to Texas and Texas Southern University, as defined by Texas Government Code § 2155.074. The item is fully certified for Saturday’s meeting.
The university’s general counsel signed the legal certification on July 14, confirming that the action and its implementation will not break any federal, state, or local laws or regulations. Chief Financial Officer J’Maine Chubb signed the fiscal certification that evening, and President James Crawford completed the executive sign-offs soon after. If the regents approve the plan on Saturday, the administration will finalize the agreement with LSSE.
This will allow the Tigers and Jaguars to play at NRG Stadium on Oct. 24. The game is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2026 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The total estimated event cost is $500,000, including a $125,000 venue usage fee, $283,000 in stadium expenses, and $92,000 in game-day expenses. The fiscal certification states the cost will not exceed $500,000.
The administration expects $699,000 in total revenue, with $450,000 from ticket sales and $249,000 from sponsorships, resulting in a net gain of $199,000 after costs. The university says the move enhances the visibility of Texas Southern athletics, strengthens alumni and community engagement, expands corporate sponsorship opportunities and generates revenue for the athletics program. RCM Entertainment, L.P.
, doing business as Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, is the exclusive manager and operator authorized to execute venue use agreements and provide event management services at NRG Stadium. I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends. Former founder and publisher of the Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on SI since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles , Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.
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