Champion ’CUSE: Syracuse University Athletics Launches Sweeping $50M Campaign to Create Champions and Win Championships

Syracuse University Athletics today announced the launch of Champion ’CUSE: The Campaign for Syracuse Athletics—a sweeping $50 million fundraising campaign aimed at leveling up its success—on and off the playing fields—and across all its 20 NCAA Division 1 programs. 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,” says John Wildhack ’80, 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.”

College Athletics Landscape

This new campaign comes on the heels of and amid significant change across NCAA Division 1 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 vs. NCAA 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,” adds Wildhack. “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

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.

Get in the Game!

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.

The campaign needs the commitment and support of everyone in Orange Nation! To learn more or to make your contribution today, please visit cuse.com/championcuse or contact the ’Cuse Athletics Fund at caf@syr.edu or 315.443.1419.