UCLA has tapped a major ally in its bid to keep pace in the college sports financial arms race.

Its donors.

The school’s athletic department announced on Monday that it received more than $41 million in private support over the 2025-26 fiscal year from more than 6,500 donors.

That figure represents an 80.6% increase over donations from two years ago and makes it it one of the most successful fundraising years in the history of UCLA’s athletic department. It also represents a much-needed infusion of cash for a department that hasn’t run in the black since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pasadena, CA – May 02: UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney coaches during a football spring game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena Saturday, May 2, 2026 Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The surge in donations undoubtedly was buoyed by the hiring of football coach Bob Chesney, whose energetic presence has galvanized the fan base ahead of his first season.

UCLA’s 42 Society, which includes donors who have committed $100,000 or more a year in athletic donations, now includes 40 members.

The biggest single donation was a $10-million commitment from alumnus Angelo M. Mazzone III to establish a naming endowment for the UCLA head football coach position. 

UCLA also received multiple gifts of at least $1 million and welcomed seven new members to its 1919 Society, which recognizes individuals whose cumulative giving to the school’s athletic department has reached seven figures.

“The Bruin family has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to our student-athletes by helping to provide an elite experience both on and off the field,” UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a statement. “As college athletics continues to evolve, our supporters have made it clear that UCLA intends to compete and win at the highest level. We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of Bruins whose generosity is helping to shape the future of UCLA athletics.”

Martin Jarmond, Director of Athletics at UCLA, and the UCLA women’s basketball team celebrates their championship win during a celebration at Pauley Pavilion Wednesday, April 9, 2026. Jan Kim Lim/UCLA Athletics

The school said the donations provide critical support resources for athletes competing in its 25 varsity sports while also funding athletic department priorities.