Dear Cleveland State Supporters,
The landscape of college athletics has been fundamentally reshaped following the final approval of the House Settlement on June 6. New and expanded opportunities to support student-athletes are now in effect. This national decision has a major impact on Division I athletics, the Horizon League, and Cleveland State University.
Cleveland State has opted into the House Settlement, which reflects a continued commitment to our department's core values and the Division I experience. We remain dedicated to providing a transformational student-athlete experience while fostering success in the classroom, in the community, and in competition.
As a department, we have proactively prepared for these changes, thanks to the steadfast support of the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees and the vision of President Bloomberg, to ensure a smooth transition into this new era of college athletics.
Our NIL operations are now moving in-house, which offers donors a new opportunity to impact Vikings Athletics directly in the NIL and student-athlete support space. These contributions help us build a sustainable model for student-athlete success and competitive excellence while providing the same donor benefits as any charitable gift to the university.
The Viking Fund and sport specific giving will remain the cornerstone of support for the Athletics Department, providing investment in scholarships, endowments, operations, program enhancements and student-athlete engagement.
Opportunities for corporate sponsors have expanded, offering more meaningful ways to engage with CSU and its student-athletes. Partners can collaborate with CSU Athletics to support NIL initiatives and work with student-athletes while leveraging the Cleveland State brand in advertising, social media, and more. This new era allows corporate sponsors, CSU Athletics and student-athletes to engage more closely than ever before, while continuing to provide broad-based support to all of our sport programs.
Season tickets are on sale now for men's basketball, women's basketball, and volleyball. Your support through ticket purchases directly benefits our student-athletes while also supporting the operation of all varsity athletics. Tickets for all events can be purchased at CSUVikings.com/Tickets.
Now more than ever, your support and involvement are critical as we chart this exciting new course for Cleveland State University. Change has arrived in college athletics, and Cleveland State is embracing it as an opportunity. Your continued support is the foundation of our success.
Go Vikings!
Kelsie Gory Harkey
Athletics Director
Cleveland State University
