PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Athletics and the Cougar Athletic Fund launched the fundraising initiative, "The Next Chapter," Director of Athletics Anne McCoy announced Monday, Jan. 13.

 "In an ever-changing collegiate landscape, it is critical for Washington State Athletics to be at the forefront of change," McCoy said. "Our mission continues to be providing an exceptional student-athlete experience that promotes increased opportunities for our student-athletes, greater access to resources, and tremendous individual growth.

 "We are excited to move forward with amazing student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and alumni as we write The Next Chapter of Washington State Athletics," McCoy added.

 The initiative is centered around four key priorities for the athletic department: student-athlete scholarships, name, image and likeness (NIL), facility enhancements and student-athlete experience.

 "Modernizing our fundraising initiatives to adapt to this new era of college athletics is imperative for competitive success," said Adam Ganders, Assistant Vice President / Senior Associate Athletic Director. "We are excited to meet today's opportunities with our generous stakeholders and author The Next Chapter of WSU Athletics history, together."

 In response to the impending House Settlement, a featured priority is "The Next Chapter of Champions," an institutional NIL program that will allows supporters an opportunity to help keep retain talented WSU student-athletes in Pullman. The Next Chapter of Champions fund is a tax-deductible option (consult tax advisor) and allocation of the funds will be administered by the Director of Athletics, starting July 2025 (pending the House Settlement). 
 
The House Settlement will also impose roster limits and lift the cap of scholarship awards within each roster. This shift can have a significant impact as, for instance, the football program scholarship limit will increase from 85 to 105. The 20-scholarship increase would amount to an increase of approximately $1 million additional investment for the football program alone. The importance of funding student-athlete scholarships through the annual fund is reemphasized in The Next Chapter. 
 
The Next Chapter is the latest initiative for the Cougar Athletic Fund, the fundraising arm of the WSU Athletic Department, all spearheaded through the investment by Cougars. During the fall, a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled the Taylor Sports Complex, took place. The WSU's new indoor practice facility which was funded covered entirely by philanthropic support with $27.2M committed in private donor funds. 

On February 19, a private grand opening of the Champions Center will be held before the WSU Men's Basketball vs Gonzaga game. The facility, also funded entirely by philanthropic support with over $9 million in commitments, centralizes student-athlete tutoring and meeting spaces, professional development services, and mental health counseling.
 
For more information about "The Next Chapter," wsucougars.com/feature/the-next-chapter and to learn more about the Cougar Athletic Fund visit cougarathleticfund.com