BREAKING: Penn State athletics extends AD Pat Kraft

Penn State athletics has taken a major step toward solidifying the department for the foreseeable future. On Monday morning, the Board of Trustees approved a contract extension for athletic director Pat Kraft that will run through June 30, 2032.

The contract approved on Monday was voted on by the Board’s Committee on Equity and Human Resources. The vote passed unanimously.

“Pat is an extraordinary leader who brings valuable insight and strategic direction to athletics and the university, with a focus on both athletic and academic success for Penn State’s more than 800 student-athletes,” Penn State president Neeli Bendapudi said in an official statement. “This new contract will help ensure Penn State continues to benefit from Pat’s leadership for years to come.”

The average value of guaranteed compensation over the eight years is $2.26 million per year, with the opportunity for additional performance-based bonuses of up to $350,000 annually based on the attainment of specific academic and competitive goals.

Pat Kraft took the helm of Penn State athletics in July 2022. In the last two years, the Nittany Lions have experienced six individual NCAA Champion student-athletes, 19 nationally ranked teams, and the 2023-24 National Championship-winning Penn State wrestling squad.

Kraft has also made strides in fundraising, spearheading the $700 million revitalization of Beaver Stadium. In recent weeks, Penn State athletics has received two eight-figure gifts towards the project, including the second-largest donation in the athletic department’s history.

“I am deeply thankful to President Bendapudi and the Board of Trustees for their unwavering support of our intercollegiate athletics program and our leadership team,” Kraft said. “Penn State is a remarkable place, made so by its incredible people – our talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches and staff, passionate supporters, and engaged community members. I am excited for us all to continue working together to elevate Penn State athletics and the university as a whole. Betsy, our children, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of the Penn State and State College communities, and we cannot wait for what lies ahead.”

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