Bearkat Athletics Launches Competitive Excellence Funds
1/15/2026 4:49:00 PM | Athletics
HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston Department of Athletics, in conjunction with University Advancement, announced the launch of the Competitive Excellence Fund on Thursday, a dedicated revenue-sharing initiative aligned with the landmark House v. NCAA settlement approved June 6, 2025.Â
The fund will bolster Sam Houston's ability to recruit, retain, and develop well-rounded student-athletes through direct compensation, scholarships and other financial support.  Â
"The world of college athletics is changing rapidly," said Director of Athletics Bobby Williams. "By launching the Competitive Excellence Fund today, we position Sam Houston to remain competitive in Conference USA and beyond. Generous alumni, fans, and community members can now directly impact the programs and student-athletes they're passionate about."Â
Under the new NCAA framework, institutions opting into the settlement may share revenue with student-athletes in exchange for the rights to use their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Additionally, sports-specific roster limits replace previous scholarship caps, with protection for current student-athletes and incoming recruits.  Â
Competitive Excellence Fund Details:Â
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Structured as sport-specific funds (Available now: Baseball, Football, Men's and Women's Basketball).Â
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All funding and athlete support adhere to university policies and NCAA rules, ensuring compliant, strategic use.Â
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Supporters can make tax-deductible donations earmarked directly for athlete compensation under the NIL/licensing provisions.Â
The university is investing nearly $100 million in athletic facility upgrades while implementing the current FY26 athletics operating budget of more than $35 million. Â
"These investments reflect our commitment to remaining competitive while responsibly adapting to the new financial realities tied directly to student-athlete compensation and support," said Williams.Â
To learn more, click HERE.
