Skip to main content

University of Michigan Athletics

Champions Fund Header

From the Desk of Warde Manuel: Open Letter to Michigan Fans

8/6/2020 11:00:00 AM | General

Note: Five days after this letter was posted, the Big Ten Conference announced the immediate postponement of all fall sports competition and conference championships due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. » More Information

From the desk of Warde Manuel, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Michigan:

Dear Michigan faithful,

I write to you to share details of a letter that was earlier sent to donors and season ticket holders. I do so out of the spirit of transparency and the knowledge that Michigan's tremendous community extends far beyond those who are traditionally able to attend games and have previously supported our student-athletes through generous financial contributions.

As you've likely seen in recent weeks, Michigan Athletics is navigating a historic financial challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While our fiscal situation is unlike anything we have experienced, our resolve remains unchanged: to support our more than 900 student-athletes who entrusted us with their education, athletic opportunities, and future careers when they chose the University of Michigan.

Given the anticipated loss of revenue due to limited or no fans at our games, our department faces an unparalleled level of financial uncertainty. As a direct result of COVID-19, we budgeted $61 million less in revenues this year which could easily double if the decision is made not to play any sports. In addition, we are also facing significant costs related to safely returning our student-athletes and staff to campus with COVID-19 protocols in place. Additionally, if fans are allowed to attend games this season, we are ready to implement significant measures to safely welcome them to our facilities.

While this deficit presents a significant challenge, our athletic department has implemented wide-ranging cost-saving measures to reduce our expenditures this fiscal year. Some of these measures include:

  • Approximately $10.9M or 28% reduction in team and game expenses compared to previous years, primarily related to reductions in team travel, recruiting, supplemental nutrition, equipment and other team expenses
  • Approximately $3.8M or 25% reduction in operating expenses as compared to previous years, primarily due to reductions in administrative travel, professional development, and expenses associated with hosting home athletic events
  • Nearly $4M in department-wide salary reductions
  • Delaying all significant capital and construction projects
  • No contribution to facility deferred maintenance fund, initially budgeted for $6M
  • Year-long hiring freeze for non-essential positions

While these reductions will help mitigate the uncertainty of the upcoming year, the reality is that our immediate decrease in resources threatens the support we are able to offer our student-athletes for the foreseeable future. Without additional resources, the level of investment in our programs will have to be reduced even further.

Warde Manuel Quote Graphic

Time and time again, I've seen our fans step up to cheer on our student-athletes. Now, I humbly ask for all of our community members to step up once again if your financial situation allows. I have asked our fans to consider converting their previous PSC/season ticket payments towards a tax-deductible gift to the Champions Fund. Football season ticket holders, please visit this webpage.

We also seek new donors to join our Champions Fund, an investment of unprecedented support in the most meaningful areas for student-athletes at the University of Michigan:

These are challenging times for everyone and this request of you does not come lightly or without pursuing all other alternatives. As a former Michigan student-athlete, I know that our Michigan family is strong and far-reaching. Our student-athlete accolades, academic achievements, and athletic successes are made possible with the help of your support.

Please know that all of us at Michigan Athletics are so thankful for you, and I look forward to the day we can see you cheering on our student-athletes in-person once again.

Please continue to do your part in preventing the further spread of COVID-19 by practicing safe hygiene, including wearing a mask, washing your hands with soap and water, practicing responsible social distancing, and staying home if you feel sick.

Stay healthy, stay positive, and Go Blue!

Warde Manuel signature