SYRACUSE — Syracuse University (SU) Athletics says it wants to raise $50 million over the next three years, funding that is aimed at “leveling up its success — on and off the playing fields — and across all its 20 NCAA Division 1 programs.” SU on Feb. 20 launched the effort called Champion ‘CUSE: The […]
SYRACUSE — Syracuse University (SU) Athletics says it wants to raise $50 million over the next three years, funding that is aimed at “leveling up its success — on and off the playing fields — and across all its 20 NCAA Division 1 programs.”
SU on Feb. 20 launched the effort called Champion ‘CUSE: The Campaign for Syracuse Athletics.
It will focus on attracting and retaining champion-caliber student-athletes while ensuring they have access to best-in-class resources, facilities and the training needed to perform and excel at the highest levels, according to the announcement on the SU news website.
“Syracuse Athletics’ mission is to field champion-caliber teams that bring home conference and national championships,” John Wildhack, director of athletics at Syracuse University, said in the school’s announcement. “College athletics is evolving at warp speed, but one thing remains the same: Syracuse Athletics will continue to cultivate outstanding student-athletes who win championships, succeed in the classroom and contribute meaningfully to our campus, their communities and society.”
More information about the campaign is available at: cuse.com/championcuse.
Campaign goals
As part of the campaign, Syracuse Athletics contends it will raise $50 million over the next three years to “pursue excellence at the highest level and win ACC and national championships, empowering student-athletes to reach their highest potential and excel on the biggest stages.”
SU also says it wants to provide the resources necessary to attract and retain the nation’s best student-athletes and coaches and deliver state-of-the-art facilities and elite training resources that give its teams the “competitive edge.”
The funding will also support Syracuse’s 550-plus student-athletes with programs that prepare them to “excel” in competition, academics and their future careers.
SU also says it wants to elevate Syracuse Athletics’ prominence on the national stage.
Donors can support Syracuse Athletics’ greatest needs through its discretionary funds or direct their philanthropy to their preferred sports. Contributions to these funds are tax deductible, SU noted.
College athletics landscape
This new campaign comes amid significant change across NCAA Division I athletics, SU said.
The school is referring to the start of name, image and likeness (NIL); the increase in student-athletes transferring to other schools through the transfer portal; and the House vs. NCAA court settlement, which will grant D1 institutions the ability to directly share revenue (up to $20.5 million) with student-athletes beginning July 1, 2025, pending its approval.
“In this new era of college athletics, it is abundantly clear that winning programs will be the ones that galvanize the support of their campuses, fan bases and communities,” Wildhack said. “We are fortunate that the Syracuse University community, our Central New York community and Orange fans around the world have demonstrated their passionate commitment to our exceptional student-athletes and coaches. Their spirit, passion and support are critical for us to compete and win at the highest level.”
