University of Wyoming Athletics

College athletics is changing, and the programs that succeed will be those backed by people willing to invest in their future. Revenue sharing is no longer optional, it’s essential. It directly impacts our ability to recruit, retain, and develop the student-athletes who represent Wyoming on the national stage.

At Wyoming, we’ve never backed down from a challenge. Now, more than ever, it’s time for all of us - fans, alumni, and supporters - to Step Forward and take an active role in building what comes next.

The Step Forward movement is underway, supporting both football and men’s basketball. Explore each campaign below and take your step forward today.

Step Forward for Basketball is built on momentum, and the opportunity to take it even further. Following an 18-win season, 14 home victories, and a return to postseason play in the National Invitation Tournament, Cowboy Basketball is on the rise. Even more importantly, four key contributors have chosen to return, signaling strong belief in what’s being built in Laramie. With nearly $100,000 already committed toward a $250,000 goal, the foundation is in place, but reaching the next level will take all of us.

Now is your chance to become a stakeholder in the future of Wyoming Basketball. Step Forward today and help build what comes next.

The University of Wyoming Athletics Department and the Cowboy Joe Club have officially surpassed the initial $500,000 fundraising goal for the Step Forward for Football campaign, marking a powerful moment of belief, momentum, and shared commitment to the future of Cowboy Football.

Launched Feb. 5, 2026, the campaign was built on a defining act of leadership and belief -  a $125,000 personal contribution from Head Football Coach Jay Sawvel, matched by a $125,000 anonymous donor. In the short time since, more than $250,000 in additional private gifts have been generously funded from supporters who chose to step forward.

While the initial goal has been achieved, the message moving forward is clear: we're not done.

Just like in football, one score is never the finish line.

The Step Forward for Football campaign will remain active, continuing to provide an opportunity for those who want to be part of helping usher in a new era of Wyoming Football. Every additional dollar raised directly supports revenue-sharing efforts, enhancing Wyoming's ability to recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes at the highest level.

What is Third Party Name, Image, and Likeness? What is Revenue Sharing?

Third Party Name, Image, and Likeness: Student-athletes are also eligible to work with and promote third-party entities utilizing their personal name, image and likeness. Third-party NIL payments must be fair market value payments for a legitimate business purpose and not used as “pay-for-play” (e.g., merely an inducement to enroll or remain at a particular institution.) Legitimate third-party NIL payments do not count towards the revenue share cap that institutions are bound by per the House Settlement. 

Any third-party deals involving a student-athlete must be reported to the newly established College Sports Commission (CSC) via NILGo.com. These deals are subject to independent review by the CSC to determine fair market value and permissibility. 

Revenue Sharing: As of July 1, 2025, The University of Wyoming is permitted to directly share revenues (via Name, Image and Likeness Agreements) with student-athletes. These NIL-related benefits are in addition to student-athlete scholarships and cost of attendance dollars provided to Wyoming student-athletes. 

How is Wyoming Athletics Engaged in Revenue Sharing?

As of July 1, 2025, the University of Wyoming has been engaged in “revenue sharing” with its five revenue-generating sports (Football, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Volleyball and Wrestling). Student-athletes from each of these sports may be asked to enter into Name, Image and Likeness agreements with UW Athletics to promote our institution and department. UW has entered into agreements with roughly 75 student-athletes across these five sports. The head coaches of these sports are engaged and excited about the future opportunities within our programs to attract and retain high-quality student-athletes on and off the playing surface. To be successful now and in the future, we need to grow ALL forms of revenue. From ticket sales and sponsorships to Cowboy Joe Club donations; every dollar matters as to push forward in this new NCAA landscape.

Additional Avenues for Fans and Businesses to Impact Revenue Sharing and NIL at UW

The Cowboy Joe Club: University of Wyoming supporters make direct gifts to the Cowboy Joe Club that directly impact the student-athlete experience. Donations to Cowboy Joe generally support student-athlete scholarships, team travel, nutrition, mental health and overall department/sport operations. Additionally, now Wyoming supporters may directly donate to student-athlete revenue sharing efforts. 

Wyoming Sports Properties: Turn your business into a community connector! Leverage student-athlete marketing to expand your messaging with Cowboy and Cowgirl student-athletes through sponsorship of Wyoming Athletics. To learn more about integrating student-athletes into your business, visit Gowyo.com/sponsorship. 

Wyoming Athletics Exchange (Teamworks Influencer):  The Wyoming Athletics Exchange provides a portal for communicating and fulfilling NIL transactions with Wyoming student-athletes. Prospective partners (both individuals and businesses) can register with the Exchange and immediately access a database of Wyoming student-athletes to work with. Student-athletes could do deals are large as a commercial or social media post to promote a business or deals as small as making a brief appearance at a birthday party or gathering to sign autographs/meet and greet