The Competitive

Excellence Fund

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!