OPINION: Investing in athletics benefits all New Mexicans

New Mexico State University athletics has long been a source of pride for our state. From thrilling victories on the court to the growth of leaders off it, Aggie sports deliver returns that reach far beyond Las Cruces.

The Las Cruces Sun-News recently reported that in the 2026 fiscal year capital outlay allocations, New Mexico State University received $3.3 million for athletic improvements — just 8.8% of the $37.9 million requested. By comparison, the University of New Mexico secured $12.9 million, or 31% of its $41.75 million request. While the support is welcomed by Aggies everywhere, it’s clear that NMSU student-athletes and fans continue to be underfunded.

We commend the Legislature for stepping up with a bold, recurring $3 million appropriation for UNM student-athlete support and major capital investments. That is the kind of leadership that helps programs compete and our state thrive. Our request is simple — that New Mexico’s Division I programs be funded based on their results.

The case for investing in NMSU athletics is strong. NMSU has consistently proven it can turn modest investments into major results. Since 2012, Aggie men’s basketball has made eight NCAA Tournament appearances, earning 13 NCAA Tournament “credits”— more than nearly every program in the Mountain West and the new Pac-12, except Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s and San Diego State. That equals the combined total of Wyoming, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Hawaii, Fresno State, Air Force, University of Texas-El Paso, University of California-Davis, Texas State, and Washington State.

NMSU is the only Division I men’s basketball program in the state to reach the NCAA Final Four and Sweet 16, a tradition that should be honored with proportional investment. In football, since 2017, NMSU has reached three bowl games — matching or surpassing the postseason appearances of regional peers including UNLV, Colorado State, UTEP and UNM. And these results came while competing as an independent and in under-resourced leagues with a fraction of the funding those programs receive.

These successes equate to real dollars from the NCAA to Conference USA and the Aggies. If the NCAA is rewarding the Aggies for their success, our own Legislature should as well. These wins are also more than just stats. They’re shared experiences for us fans and our families across the state and country — from Las Cruces to Albuquerque, El Paso to Dallas. When Aggie teams win on national television and in March Madness, New Mexico wins, too. Beyond athletics, these student-athletes succeed in the classroom, give back to their communities and serve as role models statewide. Former Aggies are bankers, real estate agents, small business owners and local leaders. That’s not just a good story — it’s a smart investment.

At A-Mountain Sports, we’re proud to help close the gap — connecting athletes to NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) opportunities, providing life-skills development and supporting their financial stability. But private giving alone can’t carry the future of college sports in New Mexico.

The House v. NCAA settlement has opened the door for universities to share revenue directly with student-athletes. The programs that succeed in this new era will be those with institutions and state partners willing to invest. NMSU leadership should be supported by the Legislature in this investment.

NMSU has done more with less for decades. Now imagine what’s possible with real, proportional support behind it.

This isn’t about rivalry — it’s about return on investment. And NMSU has proven, time and again, that it’s a program worth betting on.

Let’s continue what’s been started. Let’s make sure our student-athletes — and our fans — have the support they deserve.