Nebraska and Omaha Athletics Set Fundraising Records in 2025-26
In a remarkable display of generosity, college sports fans in Nebraska have once again demonstrated their commitment to supporting athletics programs. Nebraska Athletics has announced a new fundraising milestone, gathering nearly $71.7 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year. This achievement marks the second consecutive year where donations have surpassed the $71 million mark, following the $71.3 million raised last year.
Donations to the University of Nebraska’s athletic department have surged by 24% since the 2023-24 fiscal year, when $57.7 million was collected. Troy Dannen, Director of Athletics, expressed gratitude and admiration for the supporters, stating, “Our supporters continue to set the standard for what makes Nebraska special,” in a press release issued on Friday.
This impressive level of fundraising has coincided with a reseating initiative for Nebraska volleyball season ticket holders, which prioritized larger donors and existing ticket holders.
Meanwhile, the Omaha Mavericks Athletic Department has also experienced a record-breaking year, amassing $62.5 million in donations for the 2026 fiscal year. This achievement places Omaha at the forefront among all Division I schools without a football program in terms of fundraising success.
The remarkable financial outcome “reflect[s] the momentum and the strength of the Omaha Athletics brand,” according to Adrian Dowell, Director of Athletics and Vice Chancellor, as stated in a news release.
Omaha’s softball program has notably benefited from a 50% increase in donations compared to the previous year. Significant projects on the horizon for the Mavericks include a $55 million training center and a baseball and softball clubhouse project, with a total investment of $12.5 million.
The training center will be named in honor of Howard Hawks, the late co-founder of energy company Tenaska, who passed away in December 2024. The Hawks estate is believed to have played a significant role in achieving the record donation levels. Maverick Athletics noted that donations are anonymous but acknowledged in a release that the Hawks family “is among a group of donors, all of whom generously funded these facilities.”
