UNM Athletics will strive to grow each of our 16 teams’ sports enhancement funds through philanthropic giving that provides vital support beyond scholarships and operating dollars. Much of these funds are used for team travel expenses, food and nutrition, uniforms, gear, and additional student-athlete experiences like competing for World Championships or providing the team with international opportunities.  

The goal is to raise between $250,000 and $500,000 for each team. This would allow the team to use $250,000 for short- and medium-term needs and $250,000 to create an endowment fund for the future with support from our Lobo Lettermen and more. 

$4-8 million of philanthropic funding would create this much-needed sports enhancement fund. 

A key priority for UNM Athletics is enhancing and maintaining a high-quality student athlete experience and supporting student athlete welfare. This focus not only keeps our athletes at UNM for 4+ years, but also makes it more likely that they will remain in Albuquerque and New Mexico after graduating. 

Taking advantage of the ability to recruit and retain athletes with NIL funding, we propose the establishment of a new fund to enhance the student athlete experience and promote the recruitment and retention of top-class student athletes. By investing in NIL, supporters can directly contribute to the growth of UNM Athletics, strengthening its reputation and securing long-term success. 

Additionally, we would like to provide a “cost of attendance” stipend for athletes to help with their cost of living throughout the year. The average range of this individual stipend is $2,000 to $4,000. UNM Athletics would like to be able to provide this stipend near the highest range, which would require about $1,500,000 for all student athletes. 

$5-7 million per year of philanthropic funding would support these important initiatives. 

UNM Athletics is committed to enhancing and maintaining a high-quality student athlete experience to support their well-being. We envision a new, exclusive center for student athletes that will house a lounge, cafeteria, and mental health facilities to create a recruitment and retention tool for UNM student athletes. The center would provide an area where athletes can connect as well as focus on their own needs outside of practice and classes. The center also would provide greater access to psychologists and counselors, plus a state-of-the-art nutrition center for student athletes to fuel up between classes and practices. 

$10 million of philanthropic funding would help us create this visionary center. 

To stay competitive within the Mountain West and NCAA, a key campaign priority is to create state-of-the-art facilities, with a major focus on premium seating areas. The main areas of improvement would be the suite level, Zia level 1 and 2, and the press box level. Our current suites are outdated and are not a premier space for fans/donors to purchase. Improving and growing this area will allow for building additional suites and increase revenue. 

We would like to upgrade the L.F. “Tow” Diehm Athletics Facility to include a players’ lounge. This would provide a space that the athletes can enjoy between practices and classes, where they can work on homework or relax – a standard feature of many of our competitors’ college campuses. Updates to the current football weight room would also be beneficial.  

Finally, updates to the branding within University Stadium and the Tow Diehm facility will create a harmonious, modern, and consistent Lobo experience that will attract both future student athletes and fans. 

$10-25 million in philanthropic funding is requested for this once-in-a-generation project.