Doug Lederman's article, "Sports Subsidies Soar," discusses the issue on institutional subsidies for sports program. His article invites an obvious question: why are so many universities willing to subsidize athletics through either a direct transfer of institutional funds, assessing a dedicated student fee, or a combination of these? This commentary on Lederman's article presents four sets of strategic advantages that prominent athletics affords universities (Toma, 2003). Each is connected to resource acquisition through effective external relations that enables the aspirations to national and international standing of otherwise local institutions. In other words, institutions leverage various intangible benefits connected with spectator sports in securing resources that serve broader institutional agendas. [This document presents a commentary on: "Sports Subsidies Soar" by Doug Lederman published in "Inside Higher Ed" January 19, 2010. "Sports Subsidies Soar," its commentary, a list of suggested readings, and discussion questions are included.]