Dear Wildcats:
What we’ve accomplished together over the past year has laid the groundwork for a bold new era at Arizona Athletics. In our inaugural year in the Big 12 Conference, we didn’t just compete, we built momentum. Fueled by your support, we embraced transformational change, tackled financial challenges head-on, and launched a strategic vision to guide our future.
With a focus on integrity, innovation, and urgency, we’ve worked to restore financial discipline, elevate the student-athlete experience, and assemble a leadership team prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing landscape. Thank you for standing with us, believing in our vision, and helping us build something that will last far beyond the scoreboard. We’re stronger because of YOU.
I’m proud to share just a few highlights:
- We closed a $39M deficit to just $5M, with a goal to balance the budget by FY26 through strategic oversight, streamlined operations, and accountability.
- We raised $5.9M more than last year thanks to your generosity and a restructured Development Office that better aligns philanthropic goals with strategic priorities.
- We rose in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings (from No. 48 to No. 43), powered by a national championship in Women’s Triathlon, Big 12 titles in Baseball, Women’s Golf, and Men’s Tennis, and Top 25 finishes in Gymnastics, Softball, Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Swim and Dive.
- We launched the Bear Down Blueprint, a five-year strategic plan built on four pillars: Graduating Leaders, Winning Championships, Galvanizing Community, and Organizational Strength. Read the full plan here.
We’ve also continued building a team that can meet the challenges of this moment. This year, we welcomed four new head coaches, each chosen not just for their competitive credentials, but for their values, vision, and ability to mentor student-athletes:
Ben Loorz, Head Coach, Men’s and Women’s Swim & Dive
Giovana Maymon, Head Coach, Women’s Golf
Becky Burke, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball
Andrew Dubs, Head Coach, Track & Field / Cross Country
These new leaders join a department-wide effort to elevate every aspect of the Wildcat experience—from competitive performance to academic achievement and holistic support.
We also welcomed a dynamic group of new administrative leaders, all bringing high-level experience from the Power Four conferences or professional sports. Each of these leaders was carefully selected to help drive innovation, accountability, and sustained excellence across our department:
Tony Daniel, Chief Revenue Officer
Rachel Blunt, Chief Operating Officer/SWA
Will Wheeler, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Smith, Chief Development Officer
Morgan Domenick, Chief of Staff
Brian Rooney, General Manager, Arizona Sports Enterprises
Bud Sasser, Associate Athletics Director for Contracts
This year also marked the official launch of Arizona Sports Enterprises (ASE)—our innovative new division focused on maximizing commercial revenue through multimedia rights, partnerships, and premium experiences. Under the leadership of Tony Daniel, ASE exceeded its first-year revenue goal by 14% and welcomed its first General Manager, Brian Rooney, a proven leader in sports business. With ASE now fully operational, we’ve created a modern, agile platform that positions Arizona Athletics for long-term financial growth and greater brand impact.
A New Era: Revenue Sharing + NIL Support
As of July 1, Arizona Athletics entered a new era with the formal launch of revenue sharing as provided by the terms of the House v. NCAA settlement. Our student-athletes deserve to be supported and empowered, and Arizona is leading the way.
We’ve implemented a comprehensive financial literacy course in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, expanded Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) education, and built internal systems to meet compliance standards—all while preserving the essence of college athletics.
As revenue-sharing reshapes college athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) remains essential to providing our student-athletes with the resources and opportunities they deserve. Your continued support helps Arizona remain competitive in recruiting and retaining top talent—while also preparing our Wildcats for success beyond the playing field.
We’re calling on members of the Arizona community—especially those who own or influence businesses—to play an active role in shaping the future of Wildcat Athletics. By creating or supporting legitimate NIL opportunities, you’re helping student-athletes grow their personal brands and ensuring Arizona thrives in this new era of college sports.
If you're interested in exploring NIL partnership opportunities, or contributing directly to NIL efforts, please visit www.ArizonaWildcats.com/sponsorship.
Your continued philanthropic support is more critical than ever, so thank you for all that you do.
Looking Ahead: Football & Fan Experience
Arizona enters Year Two in the Big 12 with momentum, and we’re making Saturdays in Tucson more exciting than ever. This fall, fans will enjoy:
- A reimagined team entrance featuring cryogenics, pyrotechnics, and military flyovers
- A new live music partnership with the DUSK Music Festival
- Expanded tailgating zones and on-field hospitality
- Fan-friendly concession pricing
These enhancements reflect our commitment to building a world-class gameday environment for our student-athletes and fans alike. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Arizona Stadium this fall.
