A New Era for Tar Heel Athletics: Steve Newmark Tapped as Future UNC AD as Bubba Cunningham Prepares to Pass the Torch
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is preparing for a major leadership transition in its storied athletic department. In a move that signals both continuity and innovation, UNC has named Steve Newmark, a Chapel Hill native and sports industry executive, as its Athletic Director-in-waiting. He will succeed current Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, who will step down in the summer of 2026 after more than a decade of transformative leadership.
This strategic transition comes at a pivotal time in college athletics. With evolving dynamics surrounding NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), revenue sharing, and student-athlete empowerment, the role of an athletic director is more complex than ever. UNC’s decision to tap Newmark reflects a forward-thinking approach to those challenges—balancing deep community ties with the commercial savvy required in the modern collegiate landscape.
Newmark brings an impressive résumé from the professional sports world, most recently serving as President of RFK Racing (formerly Roush Fenway Racing). Under his leadership, the organization navigated high-level sponsorships, media partnerships, and fan engagement strategies—all vital components as college programs become increasingly dependent on diversified revenue. His appointment as Executive Associate Athletic Director will begin in August 2025, giving him nearly a full year to work alongside Cunningham and immerse himself in the university’s operations before officially taking over.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz praised the appointment, calling it “a crucial step to ensure the continued success and integrity of Carolina Athletics.” Newmark’s Chapel Hill roots are expected to resonate deeply with alumni and supporters, while his business acumen promises fresh energy in areas like brand development, donor relations, and facility enhancements.
Meanwhile, Bubba Cunningham’s legacy at UNC is substantial. Since becoming athletic director in 2011, Cunningham has overseen the department during one of its most successful and stable eras. Under his guidance, Tar Heel teams won 24 national championships across multiple sports. He emphasized academic excellence and fiscal responsibility while navigating complex issues such as the NCAA’s academic misconduct investigation and the rapidly shifting collegiate sports landscape.
Cunningham will remain involved with UNC through 2029 in a new advisory role. As “Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Athletic Director,” he will focus on long-term strategic projects, including the university’s response to changing NCAA policies and financial models. This overlapping tenure is designed to ensure a smooth and informed transition of leadership while leveraging Cunningham’s institutional knowledge.
This dual-approach—a gradual handover with a blend of innovation and tradition—positions UNC to remain a leader in collegiate athletics. It reflects a broader vision where sports excellence, financial strategy, and student-athlete support are all treated as interconnected pillars of success.
As UNC looks to the future, the combination of Newmark’s fresh perspective and Cunningham’s seasoned oversight offers a promising foundation for sustained achievement. For Tar Heel fans and the UNC community, this transition marks the beginning of a new era—one rooted in tradition, but boldly looking ahead.
