Kent State Athletics Launches Excellence Funds to Support NIL Era
7/21/2025 2:00:00 PM | Baseball, Football, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Wrestling, The Golden Flashes Club, Name, Image and Likeness
KENT, Ohio –– Kent State Athletics is proud to announce a new chapter in its commitment to student-athlete success with the launch of the Kent State Athletics Excellence Funds. This transformative initiative, introduced at the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year, follows new Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) laws for NCAA student-athletes and represents a strategic investment in the future of the Golden Flashes.
The Excellence Funds, housed in the Kent State University Foundation, are sport-specific giving opportunities designed to directly support the recruitment and retention of top-tier student-athletes. By providing meaningful and targeted resources, these funds will help Kent State remain competitive not only within the Mid-American Conference (MAC) but also at the national level. Contributions to these funds will count toward donors' giving levels and corresponding hospitality benefits and season seat eligibility.
"This is a critical moment in the future of Kent State Athletics and the ongoing success of our programs," said Randale L. Richmond, vice president and director of athletics at Kent State University. "The Excellence Funds will serve as a way for the fans and supporters of the Golden Flashes to give to the teams and coaches they care most about to help us maintain a competitive program by supporting the recruitment and retention of the best student-athletes. As always, we will focus on a first-class experience for our students in the classroom and in competition."
Initially, Kent State Athletics has created Excellence Funds for baseball, football, men's and women's basketball and wrestling. As the collegiate landscape continues to change, the university will create Excellence Funds for additional teams based on programmatic needs and interest from donors.
To learn more about the Kent State Athletics Excellence Funds and how to contribute, visit www.KentStateSports.com/Excellence.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are Excellence Funds?
The Excellence Funds are newly established sport-specific giving opportunities created in response to the House v. NCAA settlement. The settlement allows universities to directly compensate student-athletes for use of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) starting July 1, 2025.
What is the Difference Between Excellence Funds and Enhancement Funds?
The Enhancement Funds support team operations such as travel, nutrition, program support, and other enhanced experiences for the full team. The Excellence Funds are funds to directly support the retention and recruitment of student-athletes, at the head coach and A.D. discretion, through direct compensation to student-athletes.
What is the House settlement?
The House v. NCAA settlement is a legal agreement in response to a class-action lawsuit that challenged the NCAA's longstanding restrictions on athlete compensation under federal antitrust laws. A part of its agreement allows colleges to directly pay student-athletes for use of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), starting July 1, 2025. It also sets a cap on the total dollar amounts schools can pay athletes a year.
What sports currently have an Excellence Fund?
Initially, Kent State Athletics created Excellence Funds, housed in the Kent State University Foundation, for baseball, football, men's and women's basketball and wrestling. As the collegiate landscape continues to change, the university will create Excellence Funds for additional teams based on programmatic needs and interest from donors.
Will Kent State University pay the student-athletes?
Yes. Starting July 1, 2025, Kent State will be allowed to pay student-athletes directly for use of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) as part of the House v. NCAA settlement.
Can I designate my gift to a specific student-athlete?
No. To comply with NCAA rules and federal regulations, gifts cannot be directed to benefit a specific student-athlete. However, you can designate your support to a specific team. The coach and athletic director will determine how best to use these funds for the success of the program.
Are contributions to Excellence Funds tax deductible?
Yes. Contributions to Kent State's Athletics Excellence Funds are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All donations are processed through the Kent State University Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Do my contributions count toward The Golden Flashes Club (TGFC) membership advantages?
Yes. Contributions to designated Excellence Funds do count toward your TGFC membership advantages. For more information on TGFC membership advantages, please look through this year's Program at kentstatesports.com/program.
What happens to the Blue and Gold Collective?
Currently, the Blue and Gold Collective will continue operating independently to support Kent State student-athletes through Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, such as partnerships with regional and national business brands. It complements, but is separate from, the university's new excellence funds and revenue-sharing initiatives.
Who do I contact regarding gifts to an Excellence Fund or if I have questions?
We encourage anyone looking to learn more about any of our giving initiatives, including gifts to an Excellence Fund, to contact The Golden Flashes Club at 330-672-2078 or email TheGoldenFlashesClub@kent.edu. You can also make contributions to Excellence Funds by going to our Play as One Excellence Fund page and selecting the sport of your choice.
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