RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics unveiled on Monday the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund, 100% of which goes toward revenue sharing with student-athletes, and the 956 Club, through which supporters can display their commitment to attracting and retaining championship rosters through an annual donation to the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund of $956.
 
Donations to the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund can be made at GoUTRGV.com/VamosVaqueros. Supporters can join the 956 Club at GoUTRGV.com/956Club.
 
The 2026-27 academic year marks the second year in which NCAA Division I programs can share revenue with student-athletes following the implementation of the House settlement. UTRGV has now opted in to the terms of the settlement two years in a row.
 
"Coming off a season in which our teams won four Southland Conference championships and almost all of our teams finished near the top of the conference, we are looking to build upon this standard by ensuring our coaches have the tools they need to attract, develop, and retain top-level talent," UTRGV Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. "By creating the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund, we can allocate the necessary resources directly to our teams without diverting resources from other areas as we look to continue to provide an elite all-around student-athlete experience."
 
956 Club
 
UTRGV Athletics launched the 956 Club in honor of the Valley's area code, 956. For what works out to a monthly donation of just $79.67 per month, supporters can help UTRGV Athletics set up consistent revenue sharing in a sustainable way while allowing coaches to project budgets further in advance.
 
In addition to helping to ensure the Vaqueros are competing for conference championships, members of the 956 Club receive Vaqueros Loyalty Points, a welcome package and annual renewal package, preseason newsletter, a 956 Club button, and exclusive 956 Club member experiences that could include invitations to a national signing day event, pregame receptions, and invitations to select practices. Donations to the 956 Club are tax deductible.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
What is revenue sharing and how does it work? 
Revenue sharing is a new model in college athletics that allows universities to directly allocate financial resources to support student-athletes as part of a rapidly evolving Division I athletics landscape. Institutions that choose to participate may dedicate resources that help them remain competitive in recruiting and retaining student-athletes. At UTRGV, contributions to the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund help provide the financial flexibility necessary to strategically invest in the future success of UTRGV athletic programs and ensure the Vaqueros can compete at the highest level.  
 
How is revenue sharing different than name, image, and likeness (NIL)? 
While both are part of the evolving college athletics landscape, revenue sharing and NIL operate differently. Revenue sharing refers to financial resources that may be directly allocated by a university to support student-athletes as part of an institution's overall athletics strategy. NIL refers to opportunities for student-athletes to earn compensation from third parties, such as businesses or organizations, in exchange for activities such as endorsements, appearances, sponsorships, or promotional partnerships.  
 
Can I designate my gift to a specific student-athlete?  
No. Contributions to the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund cannot be directed toward a specific student-athlete. Instead, gifts provide UTRGV Athletics with flexible resources that support strategic roster management, allowing coaches and athletics leadership to recruit, retain, and support championship-caliber student-athletes.  
 
How does my investment in the Vamos Vaqueros! Fund make a difference? 
Your investment directly supports the future success of UTRGV Athletics by providing critical resources that help UTRGV programs remain competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics. Contributions to the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund help strengthen UTRGV's ability to recruit, retain, and support championship caliber student-athletes while positioning UTRGV Athletics for sustained success both on and off the field/court of competition.  
 
Is my donation tax-deductible? 
Yes. Contributions made to the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund are charitable gifts made in support of UTRGV Athletics. Donors may receive a tax deduction for the charitable portion of their contribution in accordance with applicable IRS regulations. Certain membership benefits may carry an associated fair market value that could reduce the deductible portion of your gift.  
 
Does my donation earn Vaqueros Loyalty Points? 
Yes. Those making contributions to the ¡Vamos Vaqueros! Fund earn Vaqueros Loyalty Points which help determine donor priority and ranking for select benefits and opportunities associated with UTRGV Athletics. Loyalty points are an important part of UTRGV's overall donor recognition program and reward supporters who make an ongoing investment in the future of the Vaqueros.

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