Seattle University Athletics is back in the West Coast Conference, and tonight we host our first WCC matchup in Seattle since 1980. Returning to the WCC elevates the level of competition for our programs, but that’s only part of the story. Across the nation, college athletics is undergoing sweeping changes – most notably the arrival of the NIL era – a new chapter that is reshaping how programs recruit, compete and succeed.
In June, the House Settlement received final approval, ushering in historic changes that include the elimination of scholarship limits and the ability for schools to directly engage in institutional Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements with student athletes. These shifts open the door for growth, innovation and new ways to support our Redhawks.
As of July, we’ve opted into the revenue-sharing model, a significant step that positions us to remain competitive, especially as we transition into the highly competitive West Coast Conference. Our NIL collective, Red White U, has strategically been brought in-house, which allows donors to make tax-deductible donations, and allows Seattle University to enter NIL agreements directly with student athletes.
We now have greater flexibility in how we allocate resources, collaborating with our coaches to ensure funding is directed where it makes the biggest impact. In today’s landscape, NIL has become the final piece that completes the offer package, and we’re using this new model to strengthen our ability to recruit, develop and retain top-tier student athletes. This positions Seattle University to compete—and win—at the highest level in the West Coast Conference and beyond.
This is a pivotal time for our programs, and we need your partnership to ensure Redhawk student athletes have the resources they need to succeed at Seattle University. With your support, we’ll build a legacy of excellence that makes Seattle proud.
Go Redhawks!
Shaney Fink
Vice President for Athletics