HONOR THE PAST. FUEL THE FUTURE.
JOIN THE FLIGHT CLUB
The Flight Club is the premier booster society for University of Cincinnati men’s basketball, providing crucial current‑use support to drive excellence, elevate the program, and shape the future of Bearcats basketball as we compete in the toughest conference in college basketball—the Big 12.
College athletics is evolving at unprecedented speed. Revenue sharing, NIL and the Big 12’s rise as the nation’s premier basketball conference have fundamentally reshaped what it takes to win. Competing at this level now requires sustained investment—strategic, aggressive and immediate.
This is the moment to reassert who we are. Together, we can position Cincinnati to claim its place on the national stage and build a program opponents dread to face.
Your leadership will fuel the climb, empowering our Bearcats to:
• Recruit and retain elite talent.
• Compete at the highest level of the Big 12.
• Cut nets and return championship basketball to Cincinnati—where it belongs.
FUEL THE FLIGHT: TAKING MEN’S BASKETBALL TO NEW HEIGHTS
Benchmarking against our Big 12 peers shows that while our men’s basketball program remains competitive, it operates with fewer resources than many of the teams we face each season. From travel and operations to scholarships and overall program support, we rely more heavily on institutional funding than top‑tier programs in the conference—limiting flexibility and long‑term growth.
To achieve sustained success at the highest level, we must reduce our reliance on institutional support and increase private investment.
Expanded donor support allows us to strengthen the student‑athlete experience, enhance competitive operations and invest strategically in the future of the program—moving men’s basketball from consistently good to truly great and positioning the Bearcats to compete, win and thrive at an elite Big 12 level.
“ One thing is certain: when these players put the Bearcat uniform on, they’re going to make this city proud.
It’s much bigger than a coach or one player—we all need to be moving in the right direction together. I look forward to meeting every one of you, and I don’t take this opportunity lightly. Let’s get to work.”
JERROD
Men’s
CALHOUN ’04
Basketball Coach
COACH CALHOUN COMES HOME TO CINCINNATI WITH ONE CLEAR MESSAGE: IT’S TIME FOR BEARCATS BASKETBALL TO BE FEARED AGAIN.
A UC alumnus and Ohio native, Calhoun has made it clear he intends to make Fifth Third Arena one of the most intimidating environments in college basketball once again. He brings a national reputation as a proven winner, program builder and a coach who has elevated every team he’s led.
He began his coaching journey here and knows the history, expectations and identity of this program in a way few new head coaches ever could. His deep familiarity, paired with his demonstrated ability to build winning cultures, positions him exceptionally well to recruit the Midwest, connect authentically with families across the region and implement a system that honors our storied past while driving us into a new era.
Simply put, he brings national credibility, regional roots and true institutional understanding—the ideal foundation for restoring the Bearcats to the prominence this program expects and deserves.
POWER THE NEXT CHAPTER OF UC MEN’S BASKETBALL
With a minimum gift of $50,000 annually, you’ll contribute towards a goal of raising $2 million per year to support the Bearcats and become a Flight Club member, receiving the following benefits:
PREMIUM GAMEDAY ACCESS
• VIP parking at all home games.
• Private arena entry.
• Access to the Lexus Courtside Club.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT
• Two members only receptions with the team and coaching staff.
• Invitations to select practices and game planning sessions.
• Access to special men’s basketball events and behind the scenes experiences.
• Unique travel experiences with the Bearcats.
MEMBER-ONLY GEAR AND GIFTS
• Exclusive Bearcats team gear.
• Custom gifts available only to Flight Club members.
This is more than a booster club. It’s an invitation to carry the torch and shape the next era of Bearcats greatness. If you believe in history, excellence and winning at the highest level—this is your moment to lead.
Membership is limited to those committed to shaping the next era of Bearcats greatness.
To learn more, contact the UCATS team at 1-877-55U-CATS or UCATS@uc.edu.