Syracuse women’s basketball is having a remarkable 2025-26 season. They’re boasting a 21-5 overall record and an 11-4 mark in the ACC.
The team is eyeing a trip to the NCAA Tournament this spring. Now, the program’s leadership is calling for increased financial support to keep this momentum going.
Head coach Felisha Legette-Jack and general manager Mykala Walker are urging alumni, businesses, and wealthy individuals to step up. In today’s college sports world, where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are a big deal, that support matters more than ever.
The Changing Landscape of College Sports
College sports have shifted dramatically since NIL deals entered the picture. Athletes can now get paid by third parties for their name, image, and likeness.
This change has brought new challenges to recruiting and keeping top athletes. Financial backing just isn’t optional anymore.
Syracuse’s women’s basketball program is definitely feeling the heat. Other schools are ahead in the NIL game, and catching up won’t be easy.
Felisha Legette-Jack’s Call to Action
Felisha Legette-Jack, a former All-American at Syracuse and a respected recruiter, has been pretty vocal. She’s calling on millionaires and billionaires to lend a hand.
She points out that Syracuse has a massive alumni network. Honestly, tapping into that resource feels like a no-brainer for long-term success.
Legette-Jack’s message is clear: third-party NIL opportunities are urgent if Syracuse wants to stay in the hunt.
Mykala Walker’s Perspective
General manager Mykala Walker has echoed those thoughts. On ESPN Radio Syracuse’s “Orange Nation,” she stressed how much engagement from businesses and the wider community matters.
She didn’t mince words—some of Syracuse’s rivals already have a big edge in the NIL space. If Syracuse can’t offer similar opportunities, it’s tough to compete.
Financial Complexities in Roster Construction
Building a competitive roster in college basketball is trickier than ever. Schools are now paying players directly, which is wild compared to a few years ago.
Syracuse Athletics has committed to sharing the maximum allowed in revenue-sharing for the 2025-26 season, about $20.5 million. But even that doesn’t quite guarantee long-term success.
The Role of Third-Party NIL Deals
Direct revenue-sharing is important, sure. But third-party NIL deals are just as crucial for supplementing those efforts.
Many schools have commercial collectives to make these deals happen. At Syracuse, though, things are murkier—especially after Orange United shut down last fall.
This left a gap for sports beyond football, including women’s and men’s basketball and lacrosse.
Syracuse’s Fundraising Campaign
In February 2025, Syracuse Athletics kicked off a three-year, $50 million fundraising campaign. The goal is to help keep and attract top athletes—current players, transfers, even high school prospects.
It’s a big move for the program, but honestly, it can’t succeed without support from wealthy alumni and businesses.
The Importance of Alumni and Business Support
Wealthy individuals, alumni, and businesses are absolutely vital to Syracuse’s fundraising push. Their support can make a real difference in offering competitive NIL deals and keeping star players around.
Some third-party NIL deals might be happening outside the official Syracuse Athletics umbrella. Still, the lack of a formal collective for non-football sports is a real sticking point.
Potential Long-Term Issues
Experts have warned about the risks if Syracuse doesn’t set up a third-party collective for NIL deals in sports beyond football. Without it, the program could struggle to compete financially in the ACC.
The maximum revenue-sharing for 2025-26 is a good step. But let’s be real—it won’t solve everything.
Legette-Jack and Walker’s Urgent Appeal
Legette-Jack and Walker’s recent comments really drive home the need for ongoing fundraising and third-party NIL deals. Money is just a fact of life in today’s college sports landscape.
They’re calling on the community for help. Syracuse women’s basketball is expected to make a splash on Selection Sunday, and those recent visits from five-star guards? That’s a good sign. Still, financial support is the key to turning potential into something lasting.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 season could be a turning point for Syracuse women’s basketball. There’s a lot of excitement, but also a lot riding on what happens next.
NIL deals and fundraising are now at the heart of the program’s future. Felisha Legette-Jack and Mykala Walker have been vocal, almost pleading for more support.
Honestly, it’s tough out there with how fast college sports are changing. It feels like alumni, businesses, and anyone with deep pockets need to step up if Syracuse is going to stay in the game.
Curious about how this all unfolds? You can keep up with the latest at Inside the Loud House.
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