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UNC Athletics Extends Bubba Cunningham and Names NASCAR Executive as AD-in-Waiting

Newmark joins August 15 to spearhead revenue-driving initiatives ahead of his summer 2026 promotion, with Cunningham moving into an advisory capacity.

Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels new head coach Bill Belichick shares a moment with athletic director Bubba Cunningham at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • UNC extended bubba cunningham’s contract through july 2029 and created a senior advisor role for him after the 2025-26 academic year.
  • Steve Newmark, president of roush fenway keselowski racing, will begin as executive associate athletic director on august 15 with a mandate to boost revenue in key sports programs.
  • Newmark’s 15 years in motorsports management and legal work with the sec and ncaa equip him to navigate the new revenue-sharing landscape under the $2.8 billion antitrust settlement.
  • He is slated to succeed cunningham as athletic director in summer 2026, ensuring a seamless handover after collaborating throughout the 2025-26 season.
  • The structured plan preserves institutional knowledge while positioning unc athletics to diversify income streams and adapt to evolving collegiate sports economics.