UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —With the closure of the 2025-26 fiscal year, the extraordinary commitment of nearly 20,000 annual supporters has helped Penn State Athletics complete one of the most successful four-year periods in department history. More importantly, it has helped position Penn State to become one of the premier athletics programs in America for generations to come.
Over the past four years, Penn State Athletics generated $353.1 million in philanthropic commitments, nearly doubling the $181.8 million raised during the previous four-year period. The 94.2 percent increase reflects far more than fundraising success. It represents a shared belief that Penn State should continue setting the national standard for competitive excellence, the student-athlete experience and long-term sustainability across all 31 varsity sports.
That commitment has resulted in four of the five largest gifts in department history, eight of the department's 12 largest gifts overall and three of the four strongest fundraising years ever recorded.
Since 2022-23, Penn State has secured 27 commitments of $1 million or more, including a record 13 during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Gifts of $100,000 or more have more than doubled over the past several years, demonstrating remarkable confidence from supporters at every level.
“This isn't simply a fundraising milestone,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. “It's a reflection of what makes Penn State different. Every gift represents someone who believes in our student-athletes, our coaches, our people and our future. Together, our supporters have created the momentum that allows Penn State not only to compete at the highest level today, but to build one of the strongest and most sustainable athletics programs in the country for decades to come.
College athletics is changing rapidly, but our mission remains the same: provide an extraordinary experience for our student-athletes while pursuing championships with integrity. Because of our supporters, Penn State is exceptionally well positioned to lead through this new era. On behalf of everyone in Penn State Athletics, thank you. Your generosity, your passion and your belief in Penn State are the reason our future has never been brighter.”
The impact of that support extends far beyond philanthropy. Since 2022, Penn State has established record ticket revenue, increased sponsorship revenue by 66 percent, welcomed historic crowds across multiple sports and secured more than $1 billion in contracted, guaranteed commercial revenue through strategic partnerships.
Together, those achievements have created one of the strongest financial foundations in college athletics while expanding opportunities for more than 800 student-athletes and ensuring Penn State remains positioned to compete at the highest level in the years ahead.
To learn more about supporting Penn State Athletics or to make a gift, visit NittanyLionClub.com.
“Every transformational organization is built by people who believe in something bigger than themselves,” said Kraft. “To every fan, alum, donor and supporter: thank you. You are not simply supporting Penn State Athletics, you are helping shape its future. Because of you, more than 800 student-athletes have the opportunity to pursue excellence in competition, in the classroom and in life. Together, we are building something that will inspire generations of Nittany Lions. For Penn State Athletics, that foundation is its fans, alumni and supporters.”