A Letter to Pirate Nation From AD Bryan Felt
4/21/2026 3:58:00 PM | General, Pirate Blue
Dear Seton Hall Supporter:
Your passion, energy, and unwavering support are the foundation of what makes Seton Hall Basketball so special. On behalf of our athletics department, I recognize the pride you carry for this program, and I share your expectations for excellence both on and off the court.
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I also understand that the current climate of college athletics is challenging to comprehend at times. Changes in areas such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), student-athlete revenue sharing, the transfer portal, and conference dynamics have created new challenges for programs across the country. These shifts demand adaptability, strategic investment, and a clear vision for sustained success.Â
I also recognize that some of these changes – particularly the frequency of student-athletes transferring from year to year can be frustrating and difficult to accept as a fan. I feel that frustration too. In college athletics, there is a unique connection that we have to our student-athletes as we watch them grow, improve and achieve all while representing the University that we love. At the same time, our athletic department is committed to navigating this environment in a way that preserves the values of Seton Hall Basketball while positioning our programs for success.Â
I'd also like to address the perception that occasionally surfaces in public conversations: that Seton Hall may not have the resources necessary to compete at the highest level. Let me be clear: that narrative does not reflect the reality of our program. We are investing meaningfully and strategically in our basketball programs, and just as importantly, we have the right leadership in place to translate those resources into success.
At the same time, we are realistic about the landscape in which we compete.  While we may not always match the largest resource pools nationally or within the BIG EAST Conference, we do have the resources necessary to be highly competitive—and history has shown that clearly.  What has consistently set Seton Hall apart is our ability to pair those resources with intangibles that matter just as much: outstanding coaching, strong administrative alignment, and one of the most passionate fan bases in college basketball. Those qualities have fueled our success for decades and continue to be a defining strength of our program.
Let me take a moment to share the ways we are making strides to ensure Seton Hall remains highly competitive in the BIG EAST and nationally:
Seton Hall University is Committed to Success
I want to be direct: Seton Hall University, the Department of Athletics and the University Board of Regents are fully committed to meeting these challenges head on and are investing in Seton Hall Basketball!Â
Our leadership is actively investing in the resources necessary to ensure our men's and women's basketball programs can compete at the highest level of college basketball. As part of that commitment, Seton Hall has once again increased funding dedicated to basketball revenue sharing efforts this year. In fact, Seton Hall is one of the few programs in the conference receiving direct support from the University in addition to its standard operating budget.  Our revenue share spending relative to our budget ranks in the top-half of the BIG EAST institutions.
Corporate Dollars are Playing a Larger Role Than Ever
This past season was the best Seton Hall Sports Properties has had in developing corporate partnerships and bringing in revenue and NIL opportunities. Â Our sponsorship team has been hard at work, raising money and activating with partners who value being aligned with Seton Hall Athletics. It has resulted in a 55% increase in partnerships and a 205% increase in NIL dollars secured. Â And it's only going to get better; our team is in discussions with partners about sponsoring the court as well as putting a logo on the uniforms of our student-athletes, which is a new asset that the NCAA is permitting starting August 1.
Donations are Still Critical
While we are receiving more support from the areas above, the support of our season ticket holders, alumni and fans is still critical. Â The priority seat premium that our season ticket holders pay annually goes right to student-athlete revenue sharing. Â And, like many of our competitor schools, individual donations further add to the funds available, as many of the schools rely on private donations to help fund student-athlete revenue sharing.
Intangibles Remain Keys to Seton Hall's Success
I also want to highlight the tremendous work being done by our coaching staffs. Coach Holloway, Coach Bozzella, and their teams are working tirelessly to build rosters that Pirate Nation will be proud to support. Their approach is deliberate and meticulous, with a strong emphasis on fit and culture. Much like last year, they are being highly strategic in how each roster is constructed, ensuring the right combination of talent, experience, and competitiveness. Remember, our program was built on hard work, grit and toughness, and we all root for Seton Hall Basketball, the name that's on the front of the uniform, something that will never change even though the student-athletes who wear the uniform may change.
Our success is a collective effort. Your continued engagement, whether through attending games, buying season tickets, contributing to our revenue share efforts or simply being a supportive vocal presence for Seton Hall – plays a critical role in shaping our future. Our fans can provide a strong endorsement by renewing their season tickets and through their generosity in this week's Giving Day campaign.  All revenue share contributions up to $200,000 will be matched at a 4:1 rate, giving us an opportunity to raise $1 million, thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors.
The road ahead in college athletics is complex. We approach it with confidence, determination, and a deep belief in what Seton Hall Basketball represents. Our commitment is strong, our vision is clear, and our drive to compete at the highest level has never been greater.Â
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we will deliver a program that reflects the pride, tradition, and excellence of Seton Hall.Â
Go Pirates!
Bryan Felt
Seton Hall Director of Athletics & Recreation
Â
Your passion, energy, and unwavering support are the foundation of what makes Seton Hall Basketball so special. On behalf of our athletics department, I recognize the pride you carry for this program, and I share your expectations for excellence both on and off the court.
Â
I also understand that the current climate of college athletics is challenging to comprehend at times. Changes in areas such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), student-athlete revenue sharing, the transfer portal, and conference dynamics have created new challenges for programs across the country. These shifts demand adaptability, strategic investment, and a clear vision for sustained success.Â
I also recognize that some of these changes – particularly the frequency of student-athletes transferring from year to year can be frustrating and difficult to accept as a fan. I feel that frustration too. In college athletics, there is a unique connection that we have to our student-athletes as we watch them grow, improve and achieve all while representing the University that we love. At the same time, our athletic department is committed to navigating this environment in a way that preserves the values of Seton Hall Basketball while positioning our programs for success.Â
I'd also like to address the perception that occasionally surfaces in public conversations: that Seton Hall may not have the resources necessary to compete at the highest level. Let me be clear: that narrative does not reflect the reality of our program. We are investing meaningfully and strategically in our basketball programs, and just as importantly, we have the right leadership in place to translate those resources into success.
At the same time, we are realistic about the landscape in which we compete.  While we may not always match the largest resource pools nationally or within the BIG EAST Conference, we do have the resources necessary to be highly competitive—and history has shown that clearly.  What has consistently set Seton Hall apart is our ability to pair those resources with intangibles that matter just as much: outstanding coaching, strong administrative alignment, and one of the most passionate fan bases in college basketball. Those qualities have fueled our success for decades and continue to be a defining strength of our program.
Let me take a moment to share the ways we are making strides to ensure Seton Hall remains highly competitive in the BIG EAST and nationally:
Seton Hall University is Committed to Success
I want to be direct: Seton Hall University, the Department of Athletics and the University Board of Regents are fully committed to meeting these challenges head on and are investing in Seton Hall Basketball!Â
Our leadership is actively investing in the resources necessary to ensure our men's and women's basketball programs can compete at the highest level of college basketball. As part of that commitment, Seton Hall has once again increased funding dedicated to basketball revenue sharing efforts this year. In fact, Seton Hall is one of the few programs in the conference receiving direct support from the University in addition to its standard operating budget.  Our revenue share spending relative to our budget ranks in the top-half of the BIG EAST institutions.
Corporate Dollars are Playing a Larger Role Than Ever
This past season was the best Seton Hall Sports Properties has had in developing corporate partnerships and bringing in revenue and NIL opportunities. Â Our sponsorship team has been hard at work, raising money and activating with partners who value being aligned with Seton Hall Athletics. It has resulted in a 55% increase in partnerships and a 205% increase in NIL dollars secured. Â And it's only going to get better; our team is in discussions with partners about sponsoring the court as well as putting a logo on the uniforms of our student-athletes, which is a new asset that the NCAA is permitting starting August 1.
Donations are Still Critical
While we are receiving more support from the areas above, the support of our season ticket holders, alumni and fans is still critical. Â The priority seat premium that our season ticket holders pay annually goes right to student-athlete revenue sharing. Â And, like many of our competitor schools, individual donations further add to the funds available, as many of the schools rely on private donations to help fund student-athlete revenue sharing.
Intangibles Remain Keys to Seton Hall's Success
I also want to highlight the tremendous work being done by our coaching staffs. Coach Holloway, Coach Bozzella, and their teams are working tirelessly to build rosters that Pirate Nation will be proud to support. Their approach is deliberate and meticulous, with a strong emphasis on fit and culture. Much like last year, they are being highly strategic in how each roster is constructed, ensuring the right combination of talent, experience, and competitiveness. Remember, our program was built on hard work, grit and toughness, and we all root for Seton Hall Basketball, the name that's on the front of the uniform, something that will never change even though the student-athletes who wear the uniform may change.
Our success is a collective effort. Your continued engagement, whether through attending games, buying season tickets, contributing to our revenue share efforts or simply being a supportive vocal presence for Seton Hall – plays a critical role in shaping our future. Our fans can provide a strong endorsement by renewing their season tickets and through their generosity in this week's Giving Day campaign.  All revenue share contributions up to $200,000 will be matched at a 4:1 rate, giving us an opportunity to raise $1 million, thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors.
The road ahead in college athletics is complex. We approach it with confidence, determination, and a deep belief in what Seton Hall Basketball represents. Our commitment is strong, our vision is clear, and our drive to compete at the highest level has never been greater.Â
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we will deliver a program that reflects the pride, tradition, and excellence of Seton Hall.Â
Go Pirates!
Bryan Felt
Seton Hall Director of Athletics & Recreation
Â
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