[M T]

It depends.  What is the “value” of a CWS appearance and a chance to a national title in softball.  I doubt that the softball team is making more than $1 MM in increased revenue compared to the alternative, so strictly speaking, it was probably a negative financial return compared to the alternative where the benefactor just gives the AD the $1 million.

BC

Value to whom?   (Am I wrong when I believe the $1M did not come from Texas Tech University or any department of that organization?)
  The ego-based donor that pays real dollars for play-NIL that wants to see a team do well?   
   A company selling gloves & softballs that pays for actual NIL.
  The person(s) or company whose name is on the school's field or other associated equipment?
  The person who would have otherwise left the money to care for their pet?

[M T]

It depends.  What is the “value” of a CWS appearance and a chance to a national title in softball.  I doubt that the softball team is making more than $1 MM in increased revenue compared to the alternative, so strictly speaking, it was probably a negative financial return compared to the alternative where the benefactor just gives the AD the $1 million.

BC

Value to whom?   (Am I wrong when I believe the $1M did not come from Texas Tech University or any department of that organization?)
  The ego-based donor that pays real dollars for play-NIL that wants to see a team do well?   
   A company selling gloves & softballs that pays for actual NIL.
  The person(s) or company whose name is on the school's field or other associated equipment?
  The person who would have otherwise left the money to care for their pet?