With NIL and the portal, Wichita State needs more support, president says | Opinion

As you may have heard from our athletic director Kevin Saal recently, Wichita State men’s basketball is at a turning point.

While recent seasons have been a time of growth and transition, there is a renewed sense of possibility ahead.

I want to speak directly to why that matters — not just for Shocker fans, but for our entire city.

Wichita deserves a nationally competitive basketball program.

But more than that, Wichita needs one.

A strong college Division I basketball program is a proven economic driver.

When Shocker basketball is thriving, it fuels local business, attracts visitors to the arts, and elevates the city’s visibility on a national scale.

Hotel rooms fill up. Restaurants stay busy. National TV broadcasts put our city in front of millions of viewers.

A top men’s basketball program doesn’t just build school spirit — it helps build a stronger local economy.

And while men’s basketball may be the most high-profile sport, it’s important to recognize that all WSU athletic programs are vital to the health of our university and city.

Whether it’s bowling, softball, baseball, volleyball, track and field, or any of our other sports, Shocker Athletics plays a critical role in building campus life, attracting students and creating lasting community pride.

In fact, WSU athletics in its entirety contributes nearly $50 million to our local economy.

That said, today we are operating in a dramatically different environment than in the past.

Collegiate athletics have been reshaped by the emergence of NIL — Name, Image and Likeness — and revenue sharing.

Recruiting and retaining talented student-athletes now requires the financial resources to compete with peer institutions across the country.

Since the start of 2023, NIL support for men’s basketball has grown by more than 500%, a reflection of the confidence our community has in this program.

Still, when we compare ourselves to national leaders in the sport, it’s clear we need to raise at least $1 million more in NIL funding for the 2025–26 season to stay competitive on a national scale.

Head coach Paul Mills has laid a strong foundation with a clear vision.

In just two seasons, he’s shown what’s possible, navigating the new NCAA basketball landscape and already notching an impressive record.

But to be our best, we must match this vision with the resources to allow Coach Mills to build and sustain a winning program.

This is where you come in.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a proud alum, a local business owner or someone who simply believes in the power of college sports to uplift a city — there’s a role for you in this effort.

Help us spread the word. Support the NIL collective if you’re able. Encourage others to get involved.

Share why Shocker basketball matters to you.

If you want to get involved but aren’t sure how, you can reach out directly to AD@GoShockers.com.

At Wichita State, we don’t just play for trophies — we play for the pride of our city.