Waves Excellence Initiative

Pepperdine University Athletics

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The Landscape Has Changed

College athletics is entering a new era.

Following the landmark NCAA v. House settlement, we now have the opportunity to provide direct financial support to student-athletes through new tools like institutional NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) and enhanced scholarship flexibility.

These changes bring significant implications and open new doors for how we recruit, retain, and develop our student-athletes.

Our Response

In the evolving landscape of college athletics, Pepperdine University remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering championship-level experiences in competition, in the classroom and in the community. This is where the Waves Excellence Initiative comes in. This initiative will create new pathways for supporters to invest in our student-athletes through institutional NIL and scholarship opportunities, ensuring our competitiveness as we navigate the shifting model of student-athlete support in collegiate athletics.

We will strategically participate in all key elements of the House Settlement.

Tanner Gardner, Director of Athletics

Our Approach: Values-Driven & Accelerate Competitiveness

At Pepperdine, we’re embracing this moment with purpose.

We’re investing strategically to accelerate our competitiveness on the field by launching revenue-sharing programs and ensuring our student-athletes are equipped to thrive in this new model.

Our ability to successfully participate in this new landscape will depend on the strength of support we receive.

As we continue to focus on Christian values and academic excellence, the Waves Excellence Fund further empowers us to meet the new standards head-on while honoring the tradition and mission of Pepperdine University.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Your gift to the Waves Excellence Fund helps:

Support student-athlete NIL opportunities, enabling our coaches to better attract and retain the best student-athletes
Fund new scholarship opportunities, expanding access for future Waves
Increase competitive positioning within the West Coast Conference and nationally, as peer institutions will be investing millions of dollars in similar initiatives, and top basketball programs investing in excess of $5M.

Sustain Pepperdine’s holistic model of Christian leadership, academic excellence, and athletic achievement.

With the national landscape changing rapidly, your philanthropic support is essential to bridge the gap between our increased institutional investment and the new standard of excellence in Division I athletics. Our university has stepped up to support these new opportunities, and we need you to come alongside us too through the Waves Excellence Fund!

This is a defining moment for not just all of college athletics, but us here at Pepperdine. By giving to the Waves Excellence Fund, you’re helping us compete at the highest level while staying true to our values and who we are. With the challenges presented, the decisions we make now will shape the future of Pepperdine Athletics.

TANNER GARDNER

Give Now!

The Waves Excellence Fund is your opportunity to make a direct and immediate impact on the lives of our student-athletes and perpetuate the high standard of Pepperdine Athletics. Your partnership will help write the next chapter in Pepperdine Athletics, one where excellence is redefined, responsibility is shared, and opportunity is expanded.

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