Kenny Dillingham asks rich Phoenix resident to give ASU $20M

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham asks 'really rich' Phoenix resident to 'stroke a $20M check' to program

By Olamilekan Ajayi | Last updated Dec 20, 2025 4:43 PM ET

Kenny Dillingham, the 35-year-old head coach who guided Arizona State to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance last season, made a direct appeal to wealthy Phoenix residents during recent comments.

The third-year coach was direct about what his program needs to compete at the highest level: according to him, a single donor willing to write a check for $20 million will do. Speaking candidly about ASU's path forward, Dillingham challenged the city's affluent community to step up.

His message came just hours after reports emerged that he agreed to remain at Arizona State, despite reported interest from Michigan, securing a contract extension that still awaits Board of Regents approval.

The comments reflect growing pressure on programs outside of the wealthiest conferences to find creative funding solutions in an era where some schools are spending over $50 million annually on NIL and athlete compensation.

According to Fox 10 Phoenix's Blake Niemann, Dillingham laid out his vision bluntly.

Kenny Dillingham on what ASU needs to become an elite program:

“We need to find one of these really rich people in this city to step up and stroke a check…We live in Phoenix, Arizona. You’re telling me there’s not one person who could stroke a $20 million check right now? There… pic.twitter.com/2IWFJCyLtZ
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) December 20, 2025

Financial gap threatens Sun Devils' momentum after breakthrough season

In 2024, ASU completed its most successful season in nearly three decades, going from a predicted Big 12 cellar-dweller to conference champion. But maintaining that success requires resources, which the program lacks to a certain extent.

"So we need to find one of these really rich people in this city to step up and stroke a check," Dillingham said. "And I'll do everything I can to make you the most famous person in the city, right? That's what we need. We need one person. We live in Phoenix, Arizona. You're telling me there is not one person who could stroke a $20 million check right now?"

The coach's frustration stems from competitive realities. Big 12 programs operate at a significant financial disadvantage compared to SEC and Big Ten schools.

Iowa State led Big 12 schools in NIL collective spending at roughly $7.5 million last season. However, the whole story shifted this year, as Texas Tech reportedly assembled a $28 million football roster, while elite programs like Ohio State invested $20 million in their football roster alone.

Dillingham pressed his case further.

"There is somebody out here who can. There is somebody who can. There is somebody," he continued. "And like, other people are gonna sacrifice to be here. Somebody step up, step up and be that dude to say, 'Holy cow, what completely changed it?' This person."

Dillingham has made clear that ASU's recent success represents just the beginning of what could be possible with proper financial backing.

Olamilekan Ajayi

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