In a game-changing move for Davidson College’s athletics, NBA All-Star Stephen Curry, his wife Ayesha, and longtime college supporters Don, Matt ’05, and Erica Berman are creating an eight-figure fund to boost the college’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Curry-Berman Fund will play a pivotal role in Davidson’s efforts to thrive in the evolving landscape of college sports, where athletes now have the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
The combined donation will not only support the basketball programs but also help Davidson remain competitive as NIL rights reshape collegiate athletics. Curry and Berman will also serve in leadership roles, taking on the positions of assistant general managers (GMs) for Davidson basketball. In these advisory roles, they will provide strategic guidance and mentorship to both the men’s and women’s teams.
A Pivotal Contribution
Stephen Curry, a two-time NBA MVP and Davidson alumnus, and Matt Berman, who graduated from Davidson in 2005, are making a significant investment in the future of Davidson basketball. Curry, known for his legendary career with the Golden State Warriors, has long been a vocal advocate for athlete empowerment and fair compensation. Through the Curry-Berman Fund, he aims to ensure that Davidson’s scholar-athletes have the resources to compete at the highest levels while maintaining the integrity of their academic experience.
“The education I received at Davidson, paired with the opportunity to play basketball at the highest level, was invaluable,” Curry said. “I want future student-athletes to have the same opportunity, where they can compete, grow, and succeed academically and athletically.”
Matt Berman, who played soccer at Davidson and is now an executive with the Berman family’s business empire, also has a deep personal connection to the college. In addition to his business acumen, Berman is part of the ownership group of the English football club Burnley FC. Berman emphasized the importance of maintaining Davidson’s dual focus on high academic standards and competitive athletics.
“Davidson’s combination of rigorous academics and elite athletics is rare,” Berman said. “This gift helps ensure that Davidson continues to offer that balance, enabling student-athletes to compete at the Division I level while receiving a world-class education.”
Strategic Leadership and Support
Alongside the financial support, Curry and Berman’s roles as assistant GMs will bring valuable expertise to Davidson’s basketball programs. Their involvement will help guide the teams as they navigate the increasingly professionalized world of college sports. The addition of these advisory roles demonstrates a commitment to the long-term success of Davidson’s basketball teams, both on and off the court.
Davidson College President Doug Hicks noted that this donation is not just about money but about preserving the school’s identity as a top-tier liberal arts institution with a strong athletic presence.
“For Davidson, providing an excellent athletic program is central to our identity,” Hicks said. “Stephen and Matt have made an extraordinary gift, and their involvement will ensure that Davidson continues to provide a unique and valuable experience for our scholar-athletes.”
Davidson College’s commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of college sports is further evidenced by its decision to opt into a landmark settlement of a lawsuit against the NCAA. This settlement will allow schools to compensate athletes for their name, image, and likeness, helping to level the playing field for students at schools like Davidson, who previously may have lacked the resources to compete with larger programs.
Building for the Future
To lead these efforts, Davidson has hired Austin Buntz as general manager and assistant athletic director for basketball development. Buntz, a former member of Under Armour’s global basketball sports marketing team, has been working in athletic fundraising at Davidson since 2021. His experience in sports marketing and development will be crucial as Davidson works to grow the Curry-Berman Fund and expand its fundraising efforts.
Basketball remains Davidson’s flagship sport, and the success of both the men’s and women’s teams is integral to the college’s overall athletics strategy. Chris Clunie ’06, Vice President and Director of Athletics, emphasized how important basketball’s success is for the broader athletic program. “When our basketball programs succeed, they provide much-needed exposure and revenue to support all our athletics programs,” Clunie said.
As the college navigates the complexities of the new NIL landscape, it is also working to ensure that no academic or student life programs are sacrificed in order to fund basketball. Davidson is committed to raising additional funds to support its athletics programs, with Buntz leading these efforts.
A Changing Landscape in College Sports
The timing of this donation comes at a pivotal moment in college athletics. With athletes now able to receive compensation for their NIL, Davidson is positioning itself as a leader in balancing the demands of high-level athletics with its core mission of academic excellence. Curry and Berman’s involvement will ensure that Davidson’s basketball teams have the resources to compete while also remaining true to the college’s values.
Head coaches for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have expressed excitement about the new opportunities this funding will provide. Matt McKillop, head coach of the men’s basketball team, highlighted the importance of staying competitive in the Atlantic 10 Conference. “Programs in the A10 are highly competitive on the court and in how they approach the changing landscape of college sports,” McKillop said. “This support from Stephen and Matt will allow us to continue striving for championships.”
Gayle Fulks, head coach of the women’s basketball team, shared similar sentiments. “The Curry-Berman gift is transformative,” she said. “We now have the resources to compete for championships, and we are grateful to Stephen, Matt, and all of our alumni and supporters who made this possible.”
A Legacy of Giving Back
Both Curry and Berman are known for their philanthropic work in addition to their athletic achievements. Curry’s Eat.Learn.Play Foundation works to improve the lives of children in Oakland, California, while his Underrated Tour provides opportunities for young golfers. Berman’s family has long supported Davidson, and his efforts have also extended to sports ventures, including his involvement with Burnley FC and his family’s work with the WNBA.
Through the Curry-Berman Fund, they are investing in the future of Davidson’s athletics and creating opportunities for the next generation of student-athletes. As the college enters this new era of college sports, the fund will ensure that Davidson’s basketball teams remain competitive while upholding the college’s commitment to academic excellence.
In this uncharted world of college athletics, the Curry-Berman Fund is a bold step forward, ensuring that Davidson College continues to be a place where student-athletes can thrive both in the classroom and on the court.
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