ORLANDO – Since its launch in 2018, the Shareholders Society has stood as a cornerstone of UCF Athletics’ philanthropic success, inspiring and recognizing the generosity of our most committed supporters. This community has played an integral role in elevating UCF Athletics and positioning the Knights for sustained success on the national stage.
Over the past several years, the landscape of college athletics has undergone rapid and significant change, reshaping how programs compete, invest, and support student-athletes. Throughout this evolution, our Shareholders, corporate partners, and season ticket holders have remained at the forefront, empowering UCF not only to adapt, but to lead.
Because of this collective commitment, UCF Athletics has grown its operating budget from $51 million in FY17 to approximately $121 million today. More than $150 million has been invested into the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village, highlighted by the opening of a new Roth Tower this August and the continued development of the Hagle Football Gateway project, both of which are critical to the future trajectory of our program.
UCF Athletics also recently celebrated its 500th Shareholder, a milestone that underscores the remarkable momentum and strength behind Knight Nation.
Below is a snapshot that illustrates our tremendous growth over the past several years:
Current Recognition Levels of the Shareholders Society Program:
The Shareholders Society currently recognizes charitable major giving to UCF Athletics at the following levels:
- Shareholder: $25,000 pledge commitment - $5,000 or more annually for five years
- Big 12 Shareholder: $60,000 pledge commitment - $12,000 or more annually for five years
- AD Circle: $125,000 pledge commitment - $25,000 or more annually for five years
- Legacy Circle: $250,000 pledge commitment - $50,000 or more annually for five years
- Legacy Knight: $1 million or more in lifetime giving
Goals and Upcoming Changes
In February 2026, UCF launched its ambitious $3.5 billion “Go For Launch” campaign, which includes a $1 billion philanthropic goal effective July 1, 2020.
As part of this effort, UCF Athletics has already generated more than $221 million toward its goal of exceeding $400 million in support of the Knights’ next decade of competitive success. With this momentum, the time is right to thoughtfully reimagine elements of the Shareholders Society program to align with the future of college athletics and the continued growth of UCF.
In addition to introducing new exclusive premium parking areas for football and men’s basketball, UCF Athletics will also refine the leadership levels within the Shareholders Society’s stewardship and recognition structure.
Legacy Knights
Since 2018, donors who have surpassed $1 million in lifetime charitable cash giving to UCF Athletics have been recognized as Legacy Knights. Since 2021, the number of Legacy Knights has tripled, reflecting the extraordinary growth and commitment of our supporters.
To align with this continued momentum, the Legacy Knight recognition threshold will be progressively increased over the next three years.
- Shareholders recognized as Legacy Knights as of June 30, 2027 will retain their status
- Effective July 1, 2027, the threshold will increase to $1.5 million
- Effective July 1, 2030, the threshold will increase to $2 million
Introducing Galaxy Knights
As part of a strategic effort to celebrate and inspire transformational giving, UCF Athletics is proud to introduce a new recognition level: Galaxy Knights.
Effective July 1, 2026, Shareholders who surpass $5 million in lifetime charitable cash giving and commitments to UCF Athletics will be recognized as Galaxy Knights.
Additionally, corporate partners at $10 million or more to UCF Athletics (at least $1 million annually) will be recognized as Galaxy Knights for the term of their partnership.
To learn more about the Shareholders Society click here.