For the fiscal year that ended in June, Athletics surpassed $3 million in fundraising for the first time since 2011, raising $3,031,467 in private donations. Fundraising was up 5.2 percent over FY22, and 18.9 percent versus FY21.

“We are extremely grateful for the increasing investment that Saluki Nation has made in our department,” said director of athletics Tim Leonard, who enters his second year in the AD’s chair at SIU. “Since the day I stepped foot on campus last summer, I’ve been so impressed with the passion and commitment of our fan base.”

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Additionally, Saluki Athletics saw a massive 126 percent increase in single-game ticket revenue in men’s basketball, including three of the highest-grossing games in the last 15 years — the New Year’s Day Saluki Bash versus Belmont, the Missouri State game on Feb. 5, and the Mardi Gras promotion versus Bradley on Feb. 19. Women’s basketball also drew one of its largest crowds, more than 4,000, for the Dec. 7 game versus Tennessee State.

“The energy in the Banterra Center last season was second-to-none,” Leonard said. “With non-conference home games versus Oklahoma State and Saint Louis coming up this season, there’s never been a better time to get on board with season tickets.”

Corporate sponsorship revenue for Athletics also grew, Leonard said, as Saluki Sports Properties rebounded from COVID-era limitations.

The Salukis are gearing up for another season of excellence on the field in 2023-24, according to Leonard.

Among the 2022-23 highlights, Saluki Football was the only FCS program to beat a Power Five opponent (Northwestern). Men’s basketball beat a Power Five opponent (Oklahoma State) on the road for the first time since 2000 and won its most games (23) since 2007. Softball beat a Power Five opponent (Kansas), won the MVC Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.