UCLA ousts athletic director, taps Lakers veteran to fix finances
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk announced Monday that Martin Jarmond is out as athletic director after six years, citing an unsustainable financial deficit. Tim Harris, a former Lakers business operations president and UCLA alum, will take over on a pro bono basis as CEO and AD. Harris is tasked with boosting revenue through partnerships and licensing as college sports face rising costs from revenue sharing and NIL.
Jarmond's six-year tenure saw notable athletic achievements, including nine NCAA team championships and a third-place Directors' Cup finish, yet persistent deficits plagued the department. The pandemic created a $62.5 million shortfall in fiscal 2021, and despite receiving over $61 million in Big Ten media-rights revenue and $30 million in institutional support, UCLA still faced a $21.6 million deficit in fiscal 2025.
Harris brings extensive business experience from 35-plus years with the Lakers, where he served as president of business operations. His pro bono appointment signals UCLA's focus on revenue generation through partnerships and licensing. The school previously navigated a $67.5 million settlement with Under Armour before signing a six-year Nike and Jordan Brand deal.
This leadership shakeup could signal a broader shift in how major athletic departments prioritize financial sustainability over traditional athletic administration. Other universities facing similar revenue-sharing and NIL pressures may watch UCLA's business-first approach closely, potentially reshaping expectations for athletic director roles nationwide. Student-athletes, coaches, and fans could feel indirect effects through program funding decisions, while the pro bono arrangement may set a precedent for wealthy alumni stepping into administrative roles.