From the Desk of J Batt
10/31/2025
Spartans,
Today represents an important step forward for Michigan State Athletics, a step that advances the process of reclaiming our place as a Top 10 athletic department nationally.
Earlier today, Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees authorized MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with a new non-profit, tax-exempt corporation to be known as Spartan Ventures, designed to advance, promote and support MSU’s department of athletics. It will strengthen MSU Athletics’ long-term competitiveness, expand opportunities for student-athletes, and increase innovation in how the university engages with fans, partners, and the broader community.
The establishment of Spartan Ventures modernizes Michigan State Athletics and demonstrates the department’s commitment to operating on the leading edge of innovation in the new landscape of college athletics. By utilizing a private-sector approach, Spartan Ventures provides the structure to operate with strategic innovation in an evolving intercollegiate landscape, maximizing operational flexibility and expedited decision making.
Spartan Ventures, and its subsidiary non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, Spartan Athletics Foundation, will focus on maximizing revenue generating opportunities, supporting NIL opportunities for student-athletes, and establishes a more focused approach to fundraising, enhancing experiences and supports for student-athletes, and creating enhanced experiences for donors and external partners.
The mission of Michigan State Athletics doesn’t change. We will continue to prioritize our student-athletes’ experience, education, and well-being while building a sustainable future for the next generation of Spartans. From the outside, Michigan State Athletics as you know and love it, will look very much the same. Internally, however, by re-aligning commercial operations to Spartan Ventures with a goal of optimizing revenue, Michigan State will be able to support its programs and student-athletes at an even greater level.
Similarly, our loyal supporters will benefit from an enhanced integrated fan and donor experience. While we are still working through many details, it is our plan to ensure Spartan Fund points, donor status and ticket status will carry over, and philanthropic gifts to the Spartan Athletics Foundation will remain tax deductible. The Spartan Athletics Foundation will continue to work collaboratively with University Advancement in a comprehensive fundraising approach. We look forward to finding new ways to connect with more members of the Spartan family and provide more opportunities for donors to engage.
Spartan Ventures will be overseen by a dedicated leadership group and board of directors including representatives from the university’s administration, ensuring decisions remain aligned with institutional priorities and values.
Today is a great first step, but there’s more to be done. Work to fully implement and actualize Spartan Ventures and the Spartan Athletics Foundation will continue over the next six to eight months, enhancing the structure that will move our department forward. This framework will be established in alignment with Michigan State’s inherent grit, collaboration, and ingenuity to optimize our competitive advantages.
Thank you for your continued support of Michigan State Athletics.
Go Green!
J Batt
Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Athletics
