Robert Morris University Athletics is proud to announce the launch of the Competitive Success Fund, a strategic initiative designed to empower RMU’s men’s and women’s basketball programs in the rapidly evolving landscape of NCAA Division I athletics.
Following the landmark House v. NCAA settlement, RMU is proactively positioning itself to recruit, retain, and develop elite student-athletes. This fund serves as the primary vehicle for donor-led revenue sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) support.
The fund is integrated into the RMU Athletics development structure, allowing all contributions to be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. While the fund provides broad support across the department, it offers donors the unique ability to designate gifts specifically for the men’s or women’s basketball programs, ensuring the Colonials remain a dominant force in the Horizon League.
"The horizon of college athletics is shifting, and at Robert Morris, we aren’t just observing the change—we are leading through it. The Competitive Success Fund ensures that our coaches have the resources necessary to build championship rosters while providing our student-athletes with the direct financial support they deserve as partners in our success."
— Chris King, RMU VP and Director of Athletics
Key Highlights
Direct Revenue Sharing
Facilitating direct payments to student-athletes in accordance with new NCAA benchmarks.
Enhanced Retention
Providing the competitive resources needed to keep RMU’s top talent in Moon Township.
Streamlined Giving
Consolidating previous third-party NIL efforts into a centralized, university-governed fund for maximum transparency and impact.
Business & Corporate Partnerships
We invite your business to consider these avenues to elevate your brand with Colonial Nation:
Corporate Partnership
Access marketing platforms through RMU Athletics gameday assets and multimedia platforms.
Corporate Donor
Includes tailored philanthropic opportunities for businesses looking for community impact through NIL. Members can receive enhanced access and the chance to directly support student-athletes.
Athlete Partnership
We can connect you directly to a student-athlete to engage through true, third-party NIL opportunities, such as commercial endorsements.
Your company can join our growing list of partners that have already connected with RMU Athletics to create sponsorships, digital content, and fan-focused campaigns. Please visit our RMU Athletics Partnership page to complete an interest form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Competitive Success Fund?
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The Competitive Success Fund is a new charitable avenue created in response to the House v. NCAA settlement. It allows donors to invest directly in student-athlete revenue sharing and NIL initiatives, specifically designed to keep the RMU sport programs competitive at the national level.
How is this different from the RMU Athletics General Fund or the Olsen Basketball Excellence Funds?
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The General Fund supports the department's operational needs, while the Olsen Basketball Excellence Funds support the basketball programs operations, such as travel, facilities, and equipment. The Competitive Success Fund is a specialized fund where 100% of the designated proceeds go toward student-athlete compensation through revenue sharing and NIL opportunities.
Are contributions tax-deductible?
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Yes. Contributions are processed through RMU, a 501(c)(3) organization. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for specific guidance.
Can I designate my gift to a specific player?
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No. To comply with NCAA rules and federal regulations, gifts cannot be directed to a specific individual. However, you can designate your gift to a specific program, such as Men’s or Women’s Basketball.
What happened to existing RMU NIL Collectives (RoMo Rise)?
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To streamline the donor experience, RMU is bringing these efforts "in-house". Previous third-party collective efforts have been consolidated into this fund to ensure compliance and a unified strategy for our coaches.
Support the Colonials
To make a gift or contribution, fans can visit the Athletics Giving page or contact RMU Vice President and Director of Athletics, Chris King.
