Accelerate New Mexico
Athletics
Building the Future for Students, Faculty, and Communities
UNM Athletics is committed to student-athlete success and competitive excellence. By creating an inclusive environment through recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performance people, we provide a great fan experience, inspire community engagement, and serve as a great source of pride for New Mexico.
Through the Accelerate New Mexico campaign, we can address some of our greatest challenges.
Overview:
UNM Athletics is built on a tradition of excellence, competitive success, and strong community support. Our student-athletes represent The University of New Mexico with pride both in competition and in the classroom.
With a passionate fan base and dedicated supporters across New Mexico, Lobo Athletics brings people together and creates opportunities for student-athletes to succeed. Beyond the field of competition, Lobos are future leaders, professionals, and community members who contribute to the growth and success of New Mexico.
List of Priorities:
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The recruitment and retention of talent is core to any organization, and it has never been more important than it is now in college athletics. Court decisions and NCAA rule changes at the national level have fundamentally changed the resources an institution is expected to provide to create a holistic student-athlete experience.
The Lobos’ competitive success is now directly influenced by the University’s ability to recruit and retain student-athletes with name, image, and likeness (NIL) funding. The Lobo Alliance, launched in 2024, was designed to align stakeholders with the common purpose of retaining talent in New Mexico. By investing in NIL and the Lobo Alliance, supporters can directly contribute to the growth and success of UNM Athletics, strengthening the institution’s reputation and securing long-term success.
$5-7 million per year of philanthropic funding would support these important initiatives.
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To stay competitive within our athletic conference and NCAA, a key campaign priority is improving University Stadium, with a heightened focus on the existing Stadium Tower, press box, and premium seating areas. Originally built in 1960, University Stadium is largely untouched from its original construction outside of surface level improvements. The current facilities are dated and past their useful life.
While the State of New Mexico has appropriated legislative funding to improve the bones of the Stadium, private resources are needed to improve the existing premium areas on the Zia I, Zia II, and press box and media levels. Improvements to these spaces impact public perception, as all visitors to our University and to our stadium frequent these spaces. Improving this area will also allow for additional suites and increased revenue opportunities.
$10-25 million in philanthropic funding is requested for this once-in-a-generation project.
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UNM Athletics is committed to strengthening each of our sports enhancement funds through philanthropic giving that provides vital resources beyond scholarships and operating dollars. These funds directly impact the student-athlete experience, helping provide team travel, uniforms, equipment, gear, and extraordinary opportunities that allow our Lobos to compete at the highest levels, from World Championships to international competition.
When you give to a sports enhancement fund, you give our student-athletes more opportunities to prepare, compete, grow, and represent The University of New Mexico on the biggest stages. Your generosity helps our coaches provide the resources their teams need today while creating a lasting impact on the future of Lobo Athletics. Together, we can give every team the opportunity to dream bigger, compete stronger, and build a foundation for continued excellence across UNM Athletics.
$4-8 million of philanthropic funding would create this much-needed support.
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Your support helps our student-athletes thrive on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Through the Lobo Institute for Excellence Fund (LIFE), UNM Athletics provides resources and opportunities that support student-athlete health and wellness while promoting leadership, professional development, and personal growth.
Investing in this fund means truly investing in the student-athlete. Your support helps provide the tools, resources, and support systems our Lobos need to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, build confidence, develop as leaders, and succeed during their time at UNM and beyond. Together, we can help our student-athletes become healthier, stronger, and better prepared for successful lives and careers after graduation.
$10 million of philanthropic funding would support the LIFE Fund.
In summary
Through Accelerate New Mexico, we are seeking philanthropic support for these initiatives:
$4-8 million for sports enhancement funds
$5-7 million per year to enhance the student-athlete experience via NIL funding
$10 million to create a new nutrition and wellness center for student-athletes
$10-25 million for a state-of-the-art University Stadium and upgraded facilities
Ryan Berryman
Vice President / Director of Athletics
“In today’s rapidly changing collegiate athletics landscape, revenue generation and private philanthropy have never been more important. As the flagship athletics program in the State of New Mexico, the Lobos represent not only our University, but our entire city and state on a national stage.
As we enter this next era of Lobo Athletics, it will be important that we think strategically about who we want to align ourselves with, not just as an athletic program, but as an institution. Who we compete alongside matters. The national exposure we generate matters. The proud Lobos across the world who choose to support this campaign matter.
Together, we will shape the future of Lobo Athletics. Go Lobos!”
We realize that these are ambitious goals. But the university-wide momentum and energy of the Accelerate New Mexico campaign presents us with a historic opportunity to rise to the challenges of today to build a better tomorrow for our student-athletes and the entire Lobos community.