UNM & NMSU ATHLETICS

SB 268 allocates $2.5 million from the state general fund to fund athletics for the University of New Mexico (UNM) and New Mexico State University (NMSU) for fiscal year 2026. UNM receives the full amount directly, while NMSU’s funding is contingent on hiring an athletic director with at least five years of experience in name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy. Any unspent funds by the end of fiscal year 2026 will revert to the state general fund. This bill directly affects UNM and NMSU athletics departments through targeted budget allocations with specific conditions for NMSU.