DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics announced another landmark year of philanthropic support, raising $7.5 million during the 2025–26 fiscal year to invest in Aggie student-athletes and the department's continued growth.

The year's results reflect the sustained momentum of the Aggie community, with the number of supporters increasing by 30 percent over the past two years. The department's annual fund exceeded its goal by 152 percent, continuing a strong record of support from alumni, donors, fans and friends.

The $7.5 million raised represents one of the strongest fundraising years in UC Davis Athletics history and surpassed the previous year's total by more than $2 million. These investments provide critical resources for scholarships, academic achievement, sport-specific priorities, facilities and programs that enhance the student-athlete experience.

"This extraordinary year is a testament to the passion and commitment of the Aggie community," said Liz Gullett, Chief Development Officer. "Every gift, regardless of size, helps create transformational opportunities for our student-athletes. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in our mission and continues to invest in the future of UC Davis Athletics."

"The momentum surrounding UC Davis Athletics has never been stronger," said Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. "The remarkable generosity of our donors, alumni and fans has fueled success in every corner of our department—from the classroom and the field of play to our growing national visibility. As we take the next step into the Mountain West, this momentum gives us tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has invested in our student-athletes and helped position UC Davis Athletics for an even brighter future."

The impact of that support extended across the department during a year marked by academic achievement, competitive success and growing engagement. UC Davis' 671 student-athletes combined for a 3.31 department GPA while pursuing 66 undergraduate majors and three graduate programs. Aggie student-athletes also pursued STEM majors at a rate 20 percent higher than the national average.

Interest in the Aggies continued to grow across digital platforms and in UC Davis venues. Athletics generated more than 89 million social media impressions, a 93 percent increase from the previous year, while attracting 1.7 million website visitors and 483,839 unique viewers on ESPN+.

More than 151,000 fans attended an Aggie home event, representing an eight percent year-over-year increase. UC Davis established new single-game attendance records in football and women's basketball while increasing ticket sales revenue by 13 percent. Athletics also partnered with 146 student groups and organizations across more than 250 home games and events.

The Aggies' success extended across programs and conferences, highlighted by three conference team championships, four individual conference titles and eight NCAA postseason appearances by teams and individuals. UC Davis student-athletes earned recognition at the conference, regional and national levels, including 15 All-Americans and 85 All-Conference selections. That excellence carried into the classroom, where hundreds of Aggies received conference and national academic honors. Three UC Davis head coaches were named conference Coach of the Year, while Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca was recognized as a NACDA Athletic Director of the Year.

As UC Davis begins its first year of competition in the Mountain West for many programs while continuing to compete across several conferences, private support will remain essential to building on this momentum. Investments in endowments, facilities, operational excellence and comprehensive student-athlete support will provide the foundation for Aggies to pursue championships, excel academically and make an impact well beyond their time at UC Davis.

ABOUT UC DAVIS ATHLETICS 
UC Davis, ranked No. 2 among public universities by the Wall Street Journal in the value of a college degree, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked top in the United States in agriculture and forestry as well as No. 1 in veterinary medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27.