The UNC baseball program has announced a $9 million gift from an anonymous donor made through The Rams Club. The gift will go toward the program’s operating endowment, and the donor will match gifts from other fans and supporters to grow the endowment to $25 million.

“We are incredibly humbled and grateful for this incredible gift,” head coach Scott Forbes said in a statement. “This investment will provide our players the resources necessary to maximize their potential and for our program to remain nationally competitive. With your support, we will reach the full match and continue positioning our program for sustained success.”

Each of UNC’s 28 varsity sports has its own endowment, the annual yield from which is made available to each head coach to meet “specific needs that are not covered in the regular operating budget,” according to a release from the school. UNC said the baseball program’s endowment creates a “permanent revenue stream.”

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham called the gift “an outstanding investment in the future of our baseball program.”

“We appreciate the generosity and creativity of the donors who want to support the championship success of the Diamond Heels,” he said. “These funds will make a great impact on the experience of Tar Heel student-athletes, and we are hopeful that this extraordinary gift will inspire others.”

Forbes and the Diamond Heels are coming off a 2025 season which saw UNC win its 27th ACC championship and reach the NCAA Super Regionals. In Forbes’ five seasons in charge, UNC has reached the NCAA Tournament five times, the Super Regionals three times, the College World Series in 2024 and won two ACC Tournament titles.

UNC is ranked No. 11 in the D1Baseball.com preseason poll for 2026. The Diamond Heels will open their 2026 season next month when they host Indiana in the first series of the season. First pitch on Opening Day at Boshamer Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. For a full look at the team’s 2026 schedule, click here.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Joe Bray

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