Penn State creates new fund, fees to address at ‘generational change’ of college athletics

It’s a new world in college sports, and Penn State is adapting to address the landscape’s challenges. On Friday, the university announced the creation of the Legacy Fund to benefit Penn State football and the 30 other Nittany Lion athletic programs.

According to a statement released Friday, the goal of the Legacy Fund is “to ensure Penn State continues to be one of the most competitive [athletic] departments in the country.” The fund will be used on resources for student-athlete scholarships and upkeep of the school’s 23 athletic facilities, including Beaver Stadium.

In a supplemental FAQ document, the university clarified that charges paid to the Legacy Fund are not player talent fees. Instead, the new fees will be used to support the environments around student-athletes both on and off the field. The move is in response to what the school calls a “generational change” in college athletics, most notably the recent House v. NCAA settlement, which paves the way for a revenue-sharing model.

“As college athletics experiences generational change, Penn State athletics is taking steps to guarantee its longstanding history of excellence in the classroom, the community, and competition continues for years to come,” the school’s statement read. “Among the changes resulting from the pending House decision, scholarship limits currently in place under NCAA regulations will be removed, allowing Penn State to financially support the academic pursuits of more student-athletes for all 31 sports.”

When will Penn State fans see new fees as a result of the Legacy Fund?

Penn State football fans will be the first to see the Legacy Fund’s impact. When the renewal period kicks off later this month, season ticket holders will notice an automatic $20 contribution added to each seat. Each season-long parking pass will be charged a fee of $45.

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Legacy Fund fees will be added to various athletics-related items, including season and single-game tickets for all sports, concessions, novelties, and purchases at the Blue and White Golf Courses.

“The decision to institute nominal fees was not taken lightly, but rather one focused on how to best support our student-athletes and the entire athletics department,” the university said. “Penn State athletics has a strong foundation and an unmatched fanbase that will help attack this new era of college athletics as one Penn State community, with a presence felt across the country and around the globe.”

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