Syracuse University Athletics announced Thursday the launch of Champion ’CUSE: The Campaign for Syracuse Athletics — a sweeping $50 million fundraising campaign aimed at fostering on- and off-field success across all its 20 NCAA Division 1 programs.
According to the university's announcement, Champion ’CUSE 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.
“Syracuse Athletics’ mission is to field champion-caliber teams that bring home conference and national championships,” said John Wildhack, director of athletics. “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.”
This new campaign comes on the heels of and amid significant change across NCAA Division I athletics. This includes the advent of name, image and likeness (NIL), the increasing prevalence of student-athletes capitalizing on a nimbler transfer portal and the House v. NCAA settlement, which will grant D-I institutions the ability to directly share revenue (up to $20.5 million) with student-athletes beginning July 1, 2025, pending its approval.
"Syracuse Athletics intends to distribute the maximum NIL payment amount, e.g., spend up to the cap, in 2025-26, something not every institution may elect to do," a separate FAQ page on the Syracuse Athletics website stated Thursday. "These payments will be in addition to other scholarships and benefits provided to student-athletes and does not change the athletic department’s mission: creating and fostering a culture of educational and athletic excellence, which holistically prepares student-athletes to be leaders in our global society."
“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.”
Champion ’CUSE captures the competitive spirit of Syracuse University alumni and fans, bringing Orange Nation together to elevate ’Cuse and share in the wins. As part of the campaign, Syracuse Athletics will raise $50 million over the next three years to:
- Win Championships: 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.
- Cultivate Champion-Caliber Teams: 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 our teams the competitive edge.
- Level Up the Student-Athlete Experience: support Syracuse’s 550-plus student-athletes with comprehensive programs that prepare them to excel in competition, academics and their future careers.
- Strengthen the Orange Brand: elevate Syracuse Athletics’ prominence on the national stage while uniting our community and inspiring the next generation through a commitment to breaking barriers and setting new records.
The campaign will engage the Syracuse University community and all ’Cuse fans, including alumni, parents, friends, season ticket holders, corporate leaders and community partners. Supporting Syracuse Athletics is not just an investment in sports; it is an investment in the holistic development of the University’s 550-plus student-athletes by fostering resilience, discipline and leadership.
Champion ’CUSE offers multiple avenues for donors to “champion” Syracuse Athletics. 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.
Wildhack's full letter to the Syracuse community reads as follows:
Dear 'Cuse Fans,
Today is an exciting day for Orange Nation! Today, we launch Champion 'CUSE: The Campaign for Syracuse Athletics, a bold $50 million initiative aimed at fielding championship-caliber teams and winning championships. This game-changing opportunity ensures all our Orange teams compete and win at the highest levels. But we need you to join the team and champion the 'Cuse!
What is Champion 'Cuse?
This campaign is all about empowering our student-athletes to excel in competition, academics, and life. Through Champion 'CUSE, we'll attract top-tier talent, provide cutting-edge resources and facilities, and give our athletes the training they need to bring home championships. It's a commitment to strengthening the Orange brand, making Syracuse a destination for top recruits and coveted coaches, and enhancing the experiences of over 550 student-athletes.
Why Now?
This new campaign comes on the heels of and amid significant change across NCAA Division 1 athletics, including the House vs. NCAA settlement, which will allow universities and colleges to directly share revenue, up to $20.5 million, with student-athletes, effective July 1, 2025, pending approval. Syracuse Athletics is prepared for these changes and intends to share at the maximum level to recruit and retain the very best student-athletes. Still, we know the highest-performing programs across the country will not only max on out revenue sharing, they'll also supplement it with funds generated through their fan base. And there's no better fan base than Orange Nation!
Become a 'Cuse Champion today!
That's where you come in. We need your support to help us achieve these ambitious goals. Your involvement will make a direct impact on the success of our teams, and more importantly, on the future of our student-athletes. Whether you choose to support the campaign's greatest needs or direct your gift to a specific sport, every contribution is an investment in excellence. Every contribution is an investment in winning championships!
To become a 'Cuse Champion, visit: cuse.com/championcuse. To discuss other giving options, please contact the 'Cuse Athletics Fund at [email protected] or by phone at 315.443.1419.
Gifts to Champion 'CUSE are tax-deductible and count towards your 'Cuse Athletics Fund donor rank. Make Your Gift Now | Learn more about 'CAF Donor Rank
On behalf of our 550 student-athletes, our coaches and athletics staff, thank you for your continued support. We're proud to have you as a 'Cuse Champion!
Thank you and Go Orange!
John Wildhack, Director of Athletics
