Georgia State unveils sports 5-year strategic plan, plans to increase fund-raising to $10 million
Georgia State University Athletics has announced a five-year strategic vision to increase its annual fundraising to $10 million and boost fan attendance by 50%. The plan focuses on facility development and expanded financial support for student-athletes through revenue sharing. The strategy includes the appointment of a general manager to oversee revenue growth and name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Athletics Director Charlie Cobb said the plan is guided by aspirational goals intended to elevate the department’s competitive profile while strengthening its connection to the campus and the surrounding community. Georgia State President M. Brian Blake commissioned the strategic plan to align with the university’s broader mission.
He said the effort was developed in close partnership with Cobb to create a coordinated approach for the next several years. “The timing is perfect as we embark on new fundraising efforts to invest in our student-athletes, our facilities and our community and strengthen the role athletics plays in advancing the university’s mission,” Blake said. A central component of the strategy is the continued development of the Summerhill neighborhood into an athletics hub.
The “College Town Downtown” vision includes the completion of a new baseball stadium and future phases featuring a covered football practice field, new practice facilities for basketball and volleyball and a softball stadium. Other planned additions include a beach volleyball venue, tennis courts and hospitality areas. These projects follow the recent completion of the GSU Convocation Center and the 188 MLK Soccer Complex.
The department is also prioritizing student-athlete financial resources and leadership. The vision sets a goal to exceed $3 million in revenue sharing for student-athletes through NIL and other opportunities. To manage these initiatives, the university intends to hire a general manager focused on revenue growth.