Carolina Extends AD Bubba Cunningham’s Contract By 2 Years, Hires RFK Racing President Steve Newmark As Executive Associate AD And Successor

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- As the college athletics landscape continues to evolve, the University of North Carolina and its Department of Athletics continues to adapt for success.

Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham , who has led the Tar Heels to 24 national titles and 11 top 10 Learfield Directors Cup finishes while advocating for student-athlete opportunities, transforming Carolina's facilities and successfully navigating an onslaught of industry change, has agreed to a two-year contract extension through July 2029. He will remain in his current role until the summer of 2026 before transitioning to Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Athletic Director, a new forward-looking position reporting to Chancellor Lee H. Roberts that will allow Cunningham to focus his vast expertise on transformational University projects that will position the University and Carolina Athletics successfully for the future.

"As part of my last contract extension, I committed to working with University leadership on a succession plan that would positively position Carolina Athletics and our 28 teams for the future," said Cunningham, who has been UNC's Director of Athletics since 2011. "I appreciate the opportunity to extend my contract and enhance my role in a way that will allow me to continue to support our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff as we transition and navigate the changing athletics landscape. I am excited for the future."

Further looking to adapt the Department to needs related to revenue share, NIL and commercial strategy, Carolina has hired current Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing President Steve Newmark, a respected NASCAR leader with experience in sponsorships, marketing, team operations and contract negotiations, as Executive Associate Athletic Director. Newmark will report to Cunningham and initially focus his attention on strategies tied to revenue-driving initiatives, particularly related to UNC's Football and Men's and Women's Basketball programs, before transitioning to the Director of Athletics role in the summer of 2026.

Roberts and Cunningham recognize these changes are important steps in further adapting Carolina Athletics to meet the immediate needs of the modern college sports model, including direct revenue sharing and the evolution of NIL deals, roster limits and scholarships. Over the past year, Cunningham has consolidated NIL programming and related Collectives, named five General Managers (Football, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Baseball and Department-wide), established the Excellence Fund campaign in coordination with The Rams Club, hired the Department's first Chief Revenue Officer, continued an analysis for the future home of Carolina Basketball and engaged with Huron Consulting Group to analyze new commercial and economic opportunities as well as the Department's structure.

"Like many passionate Tar Heel fans, avidly following UNC Athletics has represented a special and unique bond with my family and friends since childhood, and I recognize the role it serves for the University, alumni, community and broader fanbase," Newmark said. "I look forward to working with Bubba and the entire Tar Heel Nation to continue to elevate UNC's status as a premier brand in college sports with top-tier programs across the board, and with student-athletes who represent North Carolina's flagship institution with class on and off their respective playing fields. With collegiate athletics undergoing massive changes at all levels, UNC is well positioned to take advantage of the new landscape."

A native of Chapel Hill with strong ties to the University, Newmark has served as President of RFK Racing for the past 15 years. In addition to running the operations of the professional sports team, Newmark also was part of a small group that spearheaded the creation of the Charter System in NASCAR and has continued to serve as a liaison with NASCAR on behalf of all teams in all major initiatives in the sport over the last decade. Prior to joining RFK Racing, Newmark was a partner at the Charlotte-based law firm Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, where he specialized in sports and entertainment, and worked extensively with the Southeastern Conference, Conference USA and the NCAA.

Newmark served on the advisory committee that assisted in hiring eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick as Carolina's head football coach, and he is currently part of the advisory committee that will hire the new executive director of The Rams Club. A graduate of the College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia School of Law, Newmark will assume his role as Executive Associate Athletic Director on August 15.

"Bubba is a national leader in his field, and his vision and dedication have helped Carolina Athletics reach new heights while navigating an unprecedented era," Roberts said. "We are excited to build on that success by incorporating Steve's deep experience with strategic partnerships and sponsorships to build an even brighter future for Carolina Athletics."

During Cunningham's tenure in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels have been remarkably successful in and outside of competition. Eight different teams – Men's Basketball, Field Hockey, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Soccer and Men's and Women's Tennis -- have combined for 24 of Carolina's 63 all-time national championships during that time span. In addition, Tar Heels have won 22 individual national titles across seven different sports, and 15 teams have combined for 44 ACC Tournament titles. Carolina's Football team has qualified for 11 Bowl games, Men's Basketball has made three trips to the Final Four, UNC Baseball has earned a trip to the College World Series three times and the Tar Heels' Women's Basketball program has made nine NCAA Tournament appearances. All while Carolina's student-athletes have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher for 13 straight semesters and Tar Heel student-athletes have logged more than 70,000 hours of community service.

-UNC-

Click here to read article