The University of Akron Athletics
AKRON, Ohio – Akron Athletics proudly announces the launch of the Competitive Excellence Fund, a bold and timely initiative designed to elevate the Zips. As Division I enters a new era of college sports, this fund will play a critical role in strengthening our ability to recruit, retain, and elevate the holistic development of our top-tier Division I student-athletes.
As the college athletics landscape evolves, particularly after the approval of the House Settlement on June 6, this fund ensures Akron Athletics is ready to meet the future head-on. Beginning July 1, universities like ours will be able to expand our support of student-athletes beyond providing scholarships, housing, meals, and other essential benefits. For the first time, we may also share revenue with student-athletes in exchange for the rights to use their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Akron is committed to making forward-thinking investments that support the holistic development of our student-athletes.
Establishing the Akron Competitive Excellence Fund (ACE Fund) is the initial step in remaining competitive in this new chapter, ensuring that Akron Athletics continues to thrive both on and off the field.
"Akron Athletics has a proud history of athletic and academic achievement, and building off of that foundation, we believe the future is brighter than ever with the advent of the Akron Competitive Excellence Fund,” said Akron Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich. “This fund empowers our fans, alumni, and donors to make investments that will directly benefit students in a fashion unlike we've ever been able to offer in the past. For the first time in history, our supporters can make tax-deductible donations associated with these licensing payments that allow our head coaches to provide direct funding to recruit and retain our best and brightest students.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
We are incredibly grateful for the impactful work of the Fear the Roo Collective, whose involvement has driven tremendous progress in the NIL space over the past several years. Their efforts have empowered student-athletes and their families with life-changing opportunities and strengthened our competitive edge.
As we launch the Competitive Excellence Fund, we understand that some supporters may wonder whether to contribute to the University or continue supporting the collective. The answer is simple: both are meaningful, and both matter. Fear the Roo and Akron Athletics remain aligned in our shared commitment to student-athlete success. Whether through external partnerships or institutionally administered NIL licensing agreements, every contribution helps elevate the Zips experience.
How Zips Nation Can Get Involved
If you’ve previously supported NIL efforts through the Fear the Roo Collective, thank you! As we navigate this new era, we provided an FAQ section below to help cover common questions. When we learn more about the settlement and corresponding NCAA rule changes, we will update our FAQs.
Every contribution helps shape the future of Zips Athletics. Here’s how you can continue to support Zips student-athletes in this next phase:
- Continue your support of student-athletes by engaging in NCAA-approved NIL deals with student-athletes to help create opportunities in our community.
- Make a donation to the Competitive Excellence Fund.
- Purchase season tickets as another way to increase revenue that can be shared with student-athletes.
Make your gift today and help lay the foundation for our future. If you're interested in providing leadership-level support or have any questions, please contact the Zips Athletic Club at (559) 708-1524 or smaxwell@uakron.edu
Zips Athletic Club supporters will soon receive details on how to support NIL and take part in our new fund.
Want to learn more about the Zips Athletic Club? Click HERE for info on annual giving, our major giving society The Summit Circle, and the Varsity “A” Association.
About Akron Athletics
Akron Athletics is dedicated to excellence in academics, competition, and personal growth for all student-athletes. Our recent success in the Mid-American Conference proves we’re on the rise. But this isn’t just a moment. It’s momentum. Now is the time to Make the Climb. Together, we shape the future.
#MakeTheClimb
FAQ - 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.
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.
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.
Where can I donate or learn more?
To make a gift or learn more, visit the Zips Athletic Club giving page or contact Sr. Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Pottorff (mpottorff@uakron.edu). We’re happy to help with any questions about giving options or how your donation can make an impact.
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.
