UH Seeks $5M from State to Remain Competitive in NCAA

Football and basketball programs need funding for NIL deals and roster building.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:05am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.The University of Hawaii's quest for state funding highlights the financial pressures facing mid-major athletic programs in the new era of college sports.Honolulu Today

The University of Hawaii athletic department is facing significant financial challenges as costs rise and the need for competitive NIL deals and roster building increases. UH has requested $5 million from state lawmakers, with $2.5 million allocated to the football program and the remainder shared by other sports. However, the state Senate has been less favorable to the request, with some senators arguing against paying college players. UH and its supporters have emphasized the importance of the state's only Division I program and the need for more funding to remain competitive in the evolving NCAA landscape.

Why it matters

UH's football and basketball programs have had successful seasons, but the university is struggling to keep up with the financial demands of the changing NCAA environment, including the need for NIL deals and roster building. Maintaining a competitive Division I program is important for the state and community, but securing the necessary funding from state leaders has been challenging.

The details

UH has tapped nearly every business, restaurant, bank, union, and other sources for additional financial support, but more money is needed. Football coach Timmy Chang and men's basketball coach Eran Ganot have emphasized commitments to retaining staff and players and acquiring new talent over their own personal gains. UH is hopeful it can re-sign key players and continue success in signing posts out of the transfer portal, but the attraction for recruits is playing opportunities and compensation through NIL deals. The $5 million request would allot $2.5 million to the football program, with the remainder shared by the other sports.

  • The NCAA transfer portal opens for basketball today.
  • The open recruiting period for 2027 football prospects begins next month.
  • The Legislature's final budget is expected to be ready for the governor's signature at the end of the month.

The players

Timmy Chang

UH football coach who has emphasized commitments to retaining staff and players and acquiring new talent over his own personal gains.

Eran Ganot

UH men's basketball coach who has emphasized commitments to retaining staff and players and acquiring new talent over his own personal gains.

Tanner Cuff

Point guard who announced plans to remain with the UH basketball team.

Isaiah Kerr

Combo guard who announced plans to remain with the UH basketball team.

Aaron Hunkin-Claytor

Point guard who announced plans to test the market by entering the transfer portal.

Isaac Finlinson

Wing player who announced plans to test the market by entering the transfer portal.

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What’s next

The Legislature's final budget is expected to be ready for the governor's signature at the end of the month, which will determine if UH receives the $5 million in requested funding.

The takeaway

UH's athletic department is facing significant financial challenges as costs rise and the need for competitive NIL deals and roster building increases. Securing the necessary funding from state leaders is crucial for the university to remain competitive in the evolving NCAA landscape and maintain its status as the state's only Division I program.