The landscape of college athletics has shifted, and The University of Akron is poised to lead the charge. Given the landmark House v. NCAA settlement, Akron Athletics is building a culture of competitive excellence that will honor the rich history and tradition that is such an immense source of pride for Zips everywhere. This settlement will allow us to build a future that enables us to support our 500+ student-athletes across 17 sports to make their dreams come true.
The House Settlement, certified in June 2025, marks a transformative moment in college sports. By eliminating scholarship limits and providing opportunities for institutional NIL agreements, the settlement opens new doors for growth and opportunity. It also brings an exciting opportunity to acquire the resources necessary to shape the future of our student-athletes, elevate our national brand, and expand our global reach.
Akron is grateful for all the support we have received and is committed to making strategic, forward-thinking investments in the education of our students that position our programs for long-term academic and athletic success. The creation of The Competitive Excellence Fund is the first step in ensuring we remain competitive and innovative in this evolving environment. The fund will allow us to add new scholarship, engage in institutional NIL opportunities, and support our coaches and student-athletes at the highest level. In doing so, we will improve our rankings, lift our community, and enhance the overall student-athlete experience – To Recruit, To Retain and To Elevate!
This isn’t just a moment- it’s momentum. Now is the time to make the climb and Invest in Akron! Go ZIPS!
INVEST
Your contributions will support scholarships, NIL, and sport-specific needs to help Akron Athletics thrive.
SPORT-SPECIFIC SUPPORT
Sport-specific support is intended to provide head coaches with the resources required to address their most pressing strategic priorities, helping position their teams for championship excellence and to ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to succeed.
ADVOCACY
Join us in spreading the word about this exciting opportunity to support Akron Athletics. Your voice can make a powerful impact—encourage others to get involved and help championship programs. Whether it’s sharing on social media after you give on the site, talking with friends, or simply staying engaged, every effort helps build momentum and strengthen our community.
HELP US RECRUIT, RETAIN & ELEVATE AKRON ATHLETICS TODAY
FAQ’s about The Competitive Excellence Fund
What is the Competitive Excellence Fund?
The competitive excellence fund is a new initiative launched by Akron Athletics to support student-athletes through enhanced benefits, including compensation related to their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The fund also strengthens our efforts to recruit and retain top talent as we prepare to transition into this new era of college athletics.
Is the University paying athletes?
With the approval of the House Settlement, NCAA Division I institutions are permitted to provide additional benefits to student-athletes. One of these new benefits includes NIL agreements between the university and student-athletes, where the university may license and compensate the student-athlete for the use of their name, image, and likeness. These payments will not be funded through student tuition dollars. They will come from athletics-specific revenue sources, like donations to the Competitive Excellence Fund.
What is the House Settlement?
On June 6, 2025, a federal court approved a settlement in class-action lawsuits against the NCAA and several Division I conferences challenging the previous restrictions on NIL compensation. This became the House Settlement. Key highlights include allowing institutional NIL payments to athletes (within a capped amount), introducing roster size limits for each sport, and expanding athletic scholarship opportunities across all sports. The newly created College Sports Commission will oversee the implementation of these provisions. For more information, visit www.collegesportscommission.org.
Are Competitive Excellence Fund contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. Contributions to the Competitive Excellence Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The University of Akron Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, processes all donations to Akron Athletics. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for guidance based on your individual circumstances.
How is this different from NIL support through the Fear the Roo Collective?
The Fear the Roo Collective is a supporter-driven initiative designed to promote Akron student-athletes and enhance the overall athletics experience. By channeling private support into key areas such as training, recovery, nutrition, and facilities, the collective plays a vital role in helping our athletes thrive—on and off the field. It also creates Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, giving fans and supporters a direct way to invest in what they’re most passionate about. They have been instrumental in Akron’s NIL efforts and will continue identifying and creating NIL opportunities for our Zips Student-Athletes.
The Competitive Excellence Fund, managed by Akron Athletics, supports department-led investments like increased athletic scholarships, institutional NIL agreements with student-athletes, and other student-centered benefits newly permitted under the House Settlement.
The Zips Athletic Club will continue to offer impactful fan engagement opportunities and exclusive access to student-athletes, coaches, and teams. As a key part of Akron’s NIL fundraising strategy, Zips Athletic Club members play an essential role in enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
Will the Fear the Roo Collective go away?
Not at all. The collective will continue their important work and complement the efforts of the new fund. Together, they ensure Akron Athletics has a robust and multifaceted support system for our Zips student-athletes.
Can I designate my gift to support a specific sport?
Yes! When contributing to the Competitive Excellence Fund, you may direct your support to a specific sport. Whether you’re passionate about football, basketball, or another team, your gift can make an immediate impact where it matters most to you. You may also choose to give to the general athletics fund, which supports all student-athletes across our department.
Don’t forget, the Zips Athletic Club is still fundraising to fulfill other needs. If the Competitive Excellence Fund isn’t for you, we welcome your support in other department-wide or team-specific initiatives. We’d love to hear from you about your interests!
Can I designate a gift for a particular student-athlete?
While you may designate your gift to a specific sport, we cannot accept funds directed to a specific student-athlete. Our head coaches will determine how funds are allocated to best meet team needs and competitive priorities.
Can I support both the fund and a collective?
Absolutely. We encourage donors to support both areas as they serve different but equally important roles in the student-athlete experience.
Where can I donate or learn more?
To make a gift or learn more, visit The Competitive Excellent Fund Giving Page or contact Assistant Athletic Director for Development Samantha Maxwell (smaxwell@uakron.edu). We’re happy to help with any questions about giving options or how your donation can make an impact.
