Tennessee Athletics Sets New Fundraising Records for Fifth Consecutive Year

Tennessee Athletics Sets New Fundraising Records for Fifth Consecutive Year

Tennessee Athletics continues to set new standards across every facet of the department. For the fifth consecutive year, the Tennessee Fund has broken previous fundraising records in multiple categories.

During the 2026 fiscal year (FY26), the Tennessee Fund achieved a record-breaking fundraising total, contributing significantly to the University of Tennessee Foundation’s historic $654.9 million raised.

The Tennessee Fund raised $175.5 million in FY26, the highest athletics fundraising total in school history. This figure surpassed the previous record of $169.5 million set in FY25.

“As college athletics continue to evolve, growing self-generated revenue is more critical than ever, and it’s fundamental to our mission of establishing the nation’s premier athletics department,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White. “The ongoing success of all 20 sports, together with this impressive fundraising milestone, highlights the unwavering generosity of our exceptional donors.”

Since White’s arrival on Rocky Top, fundraising efforts have flourished. Over the past six fiscal years, the Tennessee Fund has increased by nearly $140 million, with results soaring from $35.6 million in FY21 to an impressive $175.5 million in FY26.

This remarkable increase reflects a nearly 115 percent growth in the annual fund since FY22, highlighted by an impressive $71.6 million raised in FY26.

Priority fund contributions tied to tickets and parking have reached historic highs following the introduction of modernized pricing adjustments. Additionally, sellouts across multiple venues have further boosted fundraising. Tennessee has sold out its allotment of season tickets for football, men’s basketball, softball, and baseball for three consecutive years.
Tennessee has led the nation in overall attendance for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball over the past three years.

The Shareholders Society, Tennessee Athletics’ philanthropic leadership giving group, now boasts over 1,075 members—a remarkable 745 percent growth since its launch in April 2021.

For the fifth straight year, every full-time Tennessee Athletics Department staff member has contributed philanthropically to UT’s annual staff giving initiative.

Whether fundraising for innovative capital projects, creating modern amenities, or enhancing seat-based giving, the Tennessee Fund continues to provide Tennessee Athletics with a competitive advantage by generating resources that facilitate strategic investments in student-athletes, coaches, and program infrastructure.

“In today’s competitive environment, resources remain closely tied to winning,” said Tennessee Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer Brady Hart. “Each year, we strive to generate the resources needed to keep Tennessee Athletics competitive in the SEC and on the national stage. Thanks to outstanding revenue-generation teams and systems, we can strategically invest in our programs. Our greatest asset is VOL NATION. We are grateful to all alumni, fans, friends, donors, and season ticket holders for their meaningful support. GBO!”

Tennessee is committed to strengthening its championship legacy across all sports, and the ongoing My All Campaign is driving the quest for improved resources to support student-athletes in achieving their academic and competitive objectives.

“Our donors are the lifeblood of our success,” Executive Associate Athletics Director Matt Kommer said. “Their generosity fuels opportunities for our student-athletes, strengthens our programs, and ensures the Volunteer spirit continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Since White launched the My All Campaign in summer 2021, the Tennessee Fund has secured commitments totaling over $904 million—far surpassing the initial goal of $500 million by summer 2026. The revised campaign goal is now set at $1 billion by summer 2027.