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Syracuse University has announced the launch of a new fundraising initiative called the One Orange Alliance. The initiative aims to boost name, image, and likeness (NIL) funding for all athletic programs at the university. This platform allows fans, businesses, and corporate partners to support Syracuse athletes, but does not permit directing funds to specific programs or coaches.
The announcement was made on Tuesday (April 21) during a press conference held at Meiers Creek Brewing Company in Syracuse's Inner Harbor. The event was attended by incoming Athletic Director Bryan Blair, head football coach Fran Brown, men's basketball coach Gerry McNamara, and women's basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack. According to Blair, the goal is to create the premier NIL strategy in the country, leveraging Syracuse's unique assets and community support.
Blair highlighted Syracuse's advantages, including the JMA Wireless Dome and its position as the only Power-Four program in New York. He also mentioned that Syracuse has already maximized revenue sharing, as allowed by the House v. NCAA settlement, which permits Division I schools to share revenue with athletes.
The One Orange Alliance, led by Colby Clark, aims to unify NIL efforts across all Syracuse sports. Donations will be pooled and distributed to support all teams, fostering a collaborative environment among the university's athletic programs. Clark emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "Remember, when there's unity, there's community."
Blair noted that this initiative is crucial for adapting to the changing landscape of college athletics. The One Orange Alliance seeks to build a sustainable NIL operation that aligns fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement to benefit Syracuse athletes.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time for Syracuse athletics, with the football team recovering from a challenging season and the men's basketball team working to end a tournament drought. The One Orange Alliance aims to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for success across all Syracuse sports.