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Notre Dame’s autonomous approach is sometimes ridiculed, as supporters of competing schools exhort the Fighting Irish to “join a conference already!” Critics contend that Notre Dame cannot compete in the “big leagues” by avoiding affiliation with a major conference such as the SEC, Big Ten, or even the ACC—who they contend with in other sports.

But Notre Dame’s independence not only looks justified—it’s proving to be quite profitable—after their commanding 41-21 triumph against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl advances to the semifinal of the College Football Playoffs (CFP).

One victory awaits the Fighting Irish from their first national championship since the 1988 season. Having defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and Indiana in the first round, Notre Dame has established itself as a major player in the first 12-team CFP field. Apart from the glory of the playoff campaign, the Fighting Irish are also profiting greatly financially.

“Every club making the College Football Playoffs semifinal has paid conferences $14 million. As an independent, Notre Dame’s victory over Georgia just put the Fighting Irish at $14M, too—all for themselves,” Front Office Sports said. Unlike conferences connected programs that have to split their CFP income among member institutions, Notre Dame gets to retain every dollar.

Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s athletic director, clarified earlier this year the reason the program stays dedicated to independence.

“I think our position as independent in football, quite honestly, is certainly more unique than ever, but also more valuable than ever,” Bevacqua told ESPN earlier this year. “Our dollar figure derived from the CFP for us is rather strong, plus the fact we have the ability to earn additional revenue in the instances where we make the CFP, which puts us in an even stronger position.”

The independence of Notre Dame does come with certain restrictions. For conference champions, for example, the 12-team playoff system guarantees first-round byes—a trophy the Irish cannot claim. The program has, nevertheless, flourished both financially and competitively.

Trail only Ohio State, Notre Dame’s football budget of $71.9 million ranks second among all CFP entrants, according to Sportica. This financial muscle lets the program use its exclusive media rights deal with NBC, which spans 2029, while also allowing it to keep flexibility in timing big events.

Their independence is still a major component of their identity and success as the Irish get ready to meet Penn State in the Orange Bowl quarterfinal. Notre Dame is among the most desirable programs in college football since it does not have to share its glory or revenues. Their victory in the Sugar Bowl over Georgia not only demonstrated their on-field supremacy but also strengthened the case for why their choice to be independent keeps actually paying off.