Canisius University Athletics

In response to the evolving landscape of college athletics, Canisius University has launched the Basketball Excellence Fund, an important vehicle to elevate the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) revenue sharing era that began on July 1, 2025 requires that all institutions work strategically to address the changes that lead to building a successful NCAA Division I basketball program.

The most significant change has been the move to permit institutions to share revenue directly with student-athletes in exchange for the rights to use their NIL. It has resulted in a new model that dictates NCAA institutions work differently to recruit and retain student-athletes. The Golden Griffin Basketball Excellence Fund is a focused effort to ensure Canisius University basketball can remain competitive in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) through the pursuit of these the important strategic priorities:

• Player Acquisition and Retention
• Player Development
• Coaching Excellence

Basketball success cannot be achieved alone! As is the case across the NCAA and in the MAAC, Canisius is working to maximize new revenue through game scheduling, optimizing sponsor & ticket revenue and most importantly, through philanthropy. Now is the time for Canisius supporters to help us work to build the program that the Golden Griffin alumni, family and friends envision!
   
   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do Canisius basketball fans get involved?
If you have previously supported NIL efforts through the Golden Guild Collective, thank you! Every contribution helps shape the future of Canisius Athletics. Here is how you can continue to support Canisius student-athletes in this next phase: 

• Make a donation to the Basketball Excellence Fund | SUPPORT MEN'S BASKETBALL  |  SUPPORT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
• Purchasing season tickets (CLICK HERE) as another way to increase program revenue that can be shared with student-athletes.

Make your gift today and help lay the foundation for our future. If you are interested in providing leadership-level support or have any questions, please contact Brandon Bielecki at (716) 888-8219, or email him directly at bieleckb@canisius.edu.

What do you mean by player acquisition and retention?
One of the main objectives of player acquisition and retention is to create a competitive funding pool for NIL offerings. Additionally, the Basketball Excellence Fund will provide the programs with the ability to provide NCAA academic awards to all student-athletes.

How can my donation assist with player development?
Through your donation to the Basketball Excellence Fund, Canisius will be able to provide our student-athletes access to cutting edge training equipment and devices. Student-athletes will also have access to additional nutritional and recovery resources that will allow them to preform at their peak levels both during the season and through the teams' offseason workouts.

How will my donation assist with coaching excellence?
Contributions to the Basketball Excellence Fund will allow the University to consider investment in additional staff to assist the program, such as a general manager role, or strength and conditioning professionals who have industry-leading knowledge. Other direct student-athlete impact roles such as academic advising or video analysis can also be considered. 

What is the difference between the Basketball Excellence Funds and the Blue & Gold Fund?
The Basketball Excellence Fund was created specifically to assist the university as it directly shares additional financial benefits with men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes, which became permissible with the approval of the House Settlement on June 6, 2025. The Canisius Blue & Gold Fund remains critical to the athletic department because all contributions to those funds supplement our teams’ operating budgets and provide the dollars needed for areas such as nutrition, enhanced travel, training equipment or software. Both funds are considered gifts to Canisius University and go directly to support our basketball programs. It is a matter of personal choice where to direct your gift - the needs exist in both areas.

What is the fundraising priority of the university?
The Basketball Excellence Fund and the Blue & Gold Fund carry equal importance to the short and long-term success of your Griffs. Both efforts are crucial to our ability to remain competitive and provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience. As is the case with all philanthropy, consider your passion and interests as you consider your gift(s). Canisius University is grateful for all the people who support our athletic department and student-athletes through philanthropy.

Are contributions to the Basketball Excellence Funds considered a charitable contribution?
Yes! Gifts are 100 percent tax deductible contributions to Canisius University. Donors will receive a receipt from University Advancement Services. As with any charitable gift, please consult with your tax preparer or accountant for more specific information.