UCF Athletics Revenue and NIL Update: Insights from Terry Mohajir
The landscape of student-athlete compensation is evolving significantly following the full implementation of the House settlement. This year, universities can share up to $20.5 million with their student-athletes, reflecting a historic transition in institutional support.
UCF Competitive Success Fund
In March, the University of Central Florida (UCF) launched the Competitive Success Fund. This initiative is part of the ChargeOn Fund, aimed at enhancing the university’s ability to recruit and retain top-tier student-athletes.
- The Competitive Success Fund is designed to fully utilize the maximum amount allowed under House settlement guidelines for the 2025-26 academic year.
- UCF also plans to extend its scholarship support to Olympic sports, promoting investment across all athletic programs.
Continued Commitment Required
UCF Athletics is committed to maintaining the maximum allowable funding for revenue sharing in the 2026-27 academic year. Achieving this level of support relies heavily on the ongoing contributions from Knight Nation.
Recurring donations are crucial. The university expresses gratitude to every donor, as collective effort is key to sustaining this support.
Third-Party NIL Compensation Opportunities
Beyond institutional funding, UCF student-athletes can also engage in third-party Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. This opportunity allows them to collaborate with various companies and brands to expand their personal platforms and optimize their earnings.
Role of Orlando’s Business Community
Orlando’s business landscape plays a vital role in creating NIL opportunities for UCF athletes. Numerous companies, including Orlando Health and Addition Financial, have partnered with UCF to facilitate sponsorships and promotional activities.
Corporate Partnership Options
Businesses can get involved in UCF Athletics through three main avenues:
- Corporate Partnership: Partnering with UCF Sports Properties offers marketing access through game-day assets.
- Corporate Donor: Tailored philanthropic opportunities enhance community impact and brand visibility.
- Athlete Partnership: Direct connections to student-athletes for third-party NIL engagements, subject to necessary approvals.
Looking to the Future
UCF is uniquely positioned to lead nationally in the realm of NIL opportunities due to its supportive business community and innovative university environment. There is a call for businesses to get involved and consider various partnerships to help elevate UCF Athletics.
For those interested in exploring partnership opportunities, an interest form is available for completion. A team member will follow up to discuss potential collaborations.
UCF remains grateful to Knight Nation for its unwavering support. Their bold commitment propels the mission forward and ensures the advancement of student-athletes. Go Knights, Charge On!
Terry Mohajir, Vice President and Director of Athletics
