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Revenue Sharing

Your Support Drives Huskies Forward

College athletics is entering a new chapter, one in which revenue sharing opportunities have become a critical part of building and sustaining a competitive program. As these changes take shape across the national landscape, NIU Athletics is committed to ensuring that our student-athletes, coaches, and programs are positioned for success.

This new model expands the ways student-athletes can be supported while elevating the competitive expectations placed on athletics departments. NIU is preparing to meet this moment with the same determination, grit, and forward-thinking spirit that define the Huskies.

With the House vs. NCAA settlement finalized and new parameters put in place in summer 2025, the official start of revenue sharing was ushered in. The Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund is a prime example of the shift in revenue models. Contributions to this Fund may be utilized for revenue sharing opportunities and beyond, providing impactful and necessary funding so our beloved Huskies obtain the best intercollegiate experiences NIU is able to provide.

Your contribution(s) may be used to provide scholarship support, general support for the athletics program, including operations, or shared revenue in compliance with current NCAA policies and regulations.

GIVE NOW

HUSKIE NATION, WE NEED YOU!

Your involvement directly strengthens NIU's ability to attract, build and retain championship-caliber rosters, remain competitive, and provide meaningful support to NIU student-athletes. NIU Athletics is committed to meeting the competitive standard by funding revenue-sharing opportunities each year, but doing so requires broad community engagement, whether purchasing tickets or premium seats, or through sponsorship. Your participation impacts results in the competitive arena and fuels opportunity, stability, and resources that ultimately shape the overall student-athlete experience.

Ways to Support NIU Athletics

We've created tailored opportunities depending on the type of experience you're seeking and your connection to NIU Athletics. Join in supporting NIU's competitive future.

Huskie Athletic Fund (HAF)

Stand behind all NIU student-athletes in every moment: in the classroom, on the competition venue, and everywhere their Huskie journey takes them. Your unrestricted membership helps fund scholarships, enhance facilities and create championship-level experiences for more than 400 NIU student-athletes.

 Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund*

Supports revenue sharing opportunities, to be included in your membership, further empowering you to direct your impactful gift to where it matters most. Advances NIU's ability to provide student-athletes with the resources and recognition needed to excel while representing the Huskies. Helps NIU attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent, ensuring coaches have what they need to build winning rosters and elevate performance across all sports.

* Donors are advised to consult with tax and legal advisors regarding the tax treatment of your contribution(s).
Van Wagner / Corporate Sponsorship NIL / Opendorse Market Place

Frequently Asked Questions

NIU Athletics is committed to and continues to explore new revenue sources and strengthen external support to meet the financial demands of this new model. In general terms, funding comes from three overarching categories: media rights, ticket sales and sponsorship agreements, with donor contributions (among others) falling underneath those larger buckets. Revenue sharing responsibilities will continue to grow annually, and athletic departments nationwide must adapt without the benefit of receiving additional funding from the NCAA for this purpose. Every person or corporate partner who steps forward strengthens NIU’s ability to compete.

No program can guarantee wins – but fully engaging in revenue sharing opportunities has become a new baseline for competing at the highest level. NIU’s commitment positions the Huskies to attract top-tier athletes, develop them, and retain them throughout their collegiate careers.

Simply put, absolutely. Huskie Nation has always been known for their passion, loyalty and unwavering support. In this new era, EVERY supporter plays a meaningful role in elevating NIU Athletics. Whether you strengthen competitive resources through the Huskie Athletic Fund, create brand partnerships through VanWagner, leverage name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities with student-athletes through Opendorse, or contribute to the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund, IT ALL MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

Contributions to the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund may be tax deductible. Currently, the Internal Revenue Service has not issued definitive guidance regarding the tax-deductibility of contributions used for revenue sharing. Donors are advised to consult with tax and legal advisors regarding the tax treatment of your contribution(s).

Yes! When completing your gift, please click on the Recognition, Special Instructions and Other Options tab. Select Special instructions for my gift and denote your preferred team.

Based on tax counsel advice, you may not designate a particular student-athlete. As always, please consult your personal tax advisor. Much like the awarding of a scholarship, revenue-sharing funds will be at the discretion of the Athletic Department.