UCLA’s Sports Programs Get a Boost with $17.3 Million from Generous Late Donor
UCLA Football and Basketball Programs Receive Significant Boost from Alumnus’s Generosity
Bob Chesney and Mick Cronin, head coaches of UCLA football and men’s basketball respectively, have gained a substantial ally in their pursuit of competitive success within the Big Ten Conference. A generous $17.3 million gift from the late Lawrence “Larry” Layne will provide pivotal financial support to both athletic programs, helping them compete against their well-funded rivals.
The donation allocates $9.6 million to the football team and $7.7 million to the men’s basketball program. This contribution is part of Layne’s larger commitment of over $40 million to various university initiatives, marking it as the largest gift to the UCLA athletic department in more than a decade.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for Larry’s longstanding history of generosity to both campus and the athletic department, including this transformational gift,” said UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond. “I am fortunate to have spent time with Larry and get to know his deep passion for UCLA Athletics, particularly his desire to help our football and men’s basketball programs thrive. His investment positions us for long-term success.”
Layne, who passed away in December 2024 at the age of 75, had a long-standing connection to UCLA. He earned his MBA from the university in 1977 and founded Nova Storage. A supporter of multiple Bruins sports since 1979, Layne contributed significantly to various programs, including women’s rugby, the renovation of Pauley Pavilion, and the building of the Wasserman Football Center. His total contributions to UCLA athletics exceed $18.8 million.
In expressing gratitude for Layne’s contributions, Coach Chesney remarked, “As a former UCLA student-athlete and coach, Larry fully understood the hard work and determination that was needed to be at his best both on and off the field. This incredibly generous gift will make a big impact on helping us build a championship football team. We will ensure that Larry’s legacy lives on by continuing to support our student-athletes and upholding our university’s True Bruin values.”
In addition to the athletic donation, Layne’s overall gift includes $11.4 million to UCLA Health for research in cardiology and hepatology, $5.7 million to the Anderson School of Management for entrepreneurial and real estate studies, and other contributions to men’s rugby and the Center for the Art of Performance.
Cronin, the men’s basketball coach, also expressed his appreciation, saying, “I would like to thank Larry for his generosity and long-time support of our athletics department, specifically toward our men’s basketball program. His generous gift will help us build a basketball program with elite young men who all of our fans can be proud to support.”
Layne’s legacy is not only evident in his financial contributions but also in his deep commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience at UCLA.
