TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Athletics has released The Bear Down Blueprint, a bold and comprehensive five-year strategic plan that will guide the department through 2030. Built through a collaborative, data-informed process, the plan reflects Arizona's core values and outlines clear priorities that will drive continued excellence on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community.

Rooted in the values of Respect, Integrity, Community, Excellence, and Resilience, The Bear Down Blueprint is organized around four strategic pillars:

• Graduating Leaders – elevating the holistic student-athlete experience through academic support, career readiness and performance development.
• Winning Championships – achieving sustained success in the Big 12 Conference and nationally through excellence in performance and preparation.
• Galvanizing Community – strengthening relationships with alumni, fans, and partners across the state and beyond.
• Organizational Strength – enhancing operations, financial sustainability, and professional development through a values-based culture.

"The Bear Down Blueprint sets a clear course for our department — one grounded in collaboration, built on accountability, and centered on our student-athletes," said Desireé Reed-Francois, Vice President and Director of Athletics. "It's a roadmap for not only how we lead, but how we serve the University of Arizona and the people of our great state."

Guided by the Eller College of Management, The Bear Down Blueprint was shaped by extensive input from student-athletes, staff, coaches, faculty, alumni, donors, and fans. Engagement methods included department-wide SWOT analysis, SAAC and campus advisory meetings, fan surveys, a statewide listening tour, and input from fan council members. 

The plan arrives at a pivotal moment. In the wake of the House settlement and increased expectations around revenue-sharing, roster management, and NIL support, Arizona Athletics has crafted a strategy that embraces change while holding firm to its mission.

Key goals of The Bear Down Blueprint include:

• Establishing Arizona as a Top 25 athletics department nationally and a top three program in the Big 12 Conference
• Developing a long-term, sustainable business model aligned with future revenue-sharing frameworks
• After implementing the department's 5-Point Plan, the department's deficit reduced from $39M to $5M, with a goal to balance the budget by FY26. 
• Growing total fundraising to the top third in the Big 12 Conference, with long-term targets for major gifts, annual giving, and donor base expansion
• Increasing season ticket retention and group sales across all sports, with fan engagement as a revenue-growth driver
• Enhancing revenue-sharing infrastructure and athlete brand-building through integrated internal operations and strategic third-party partnerships
• Maintaining top-tier academic performance, with a 3.25+ department GPA and 100% post-graduation goal attainment for student-athletes

"This is a plan about clarity, purpose, and discipline," Reed-Francois added. "We are building a model that can support the modern student-athlete while positioning Arizona to thrive competitively and financially. We are not just adapting — we are preparing to lead. This plan is not just aspirational — it's actionable. We've established the framework, the benchmarks, and the accountability to move with purpose. Our mission remains clear: to develop and graduate leaders, win championships, and unite our community through the power of sport. We're deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this process — The Eller College of Management, our student-athletes, coaches, staff, campus partners, and supporters — for helping shape a vision we can all be proud of."

The full plan is available at: Bear Down Blueprint