Rich and Leslie Frank have pledged $7 million to the University of Illinois men's and women's basketball programs. The donation will create the Rich Frank Club at State Farm Center, replacing the existing Orange Krush Club. This gift aims to enhance hospitality experiences for games and events.
The University of Illinois announced on Wednesday that Rich and Leslie Frank have donated $7 million to support its men's and women's basketball programs. The funds will establish the Rich Frank Club, a membership-required hospitality space at State Farm Center. This new club will replace the current Orange Krush Club and offer an elevated dining and beverage experience, with membership separate from seating arrangements. It will serve basketball games, concerts, and other events.
Illinois men's basketball coach Brad Underwood expressed appreciation for the donors. "I have enjoyed getting to know Rich and Leslie during my time here and truly appreciate their friendship, backing of our program, and loyalty to the University of Illinois," Underwood said in a release. "The Franks have been remarkably successful throughout their professional careers, and we are fortunate to have such caring, passionate supporters in our corner. They share our vision for Fighting Illini Basketball, and their gift will make a dramatic impact in our pursuit of championships."
Women's basketball coach Shauna Green echoed the sentiment. "We are incredibly grateful for this commitment from Rich and Leslie Frank," Green said. "Since I arrived here, I have been amazed with the tremendous support we receive from our fans, alumni, and donors. This investment by the Franks in Illinois Basketball is a testament to the affinity they have for this University and will aid us in our quest to be an elite program."
This marks the third major contribution from the Frank family to the university. In 2020, they committed $7.5 million to the College of Media, the largest donation in its history, to create the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media, including rebuilding the College Television Studios. Three years later, they donated $2.5 million toward renovating the lower level of Gregory Hall.
Rich Frank, a former president of Disney Studios, earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from Illinois. He and his wife Leslie, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, now lead ventures in wine and hospitality in California's Napa Valley. Rich Frank reflected on his time at the university: "I was the son of a WWII veteran and wholesale meat packer from Brooklyn. As the first in my family to go to college, my dad urged me to go to school far away from home, outside of my comfort zone and culture, so I could be challenged and learn from others. What I received at the U of I was an incredible education, an open-mindedness and acceptance towards other people and cultures. This experience was pivotal to my career across entertainment, wine and business."
