CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois Athletics received a multi-million-dollar donation that will go toward renovations at State Farm Center and the establishment of a new club at the arena.
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced this week that alumnus Richard Frank and his wife Leslie donated $7 million to support the Illinois men’s and women’s basketball programs. The donation will help renovate team and player spaces at State Farm Center and allow the DIA to create the Rich Frank Club.
The club will be located in the former Orange Krush Club and will provide a new, membership-driven hospitality space for men’s and women’s basketball, concerts and auxiliary events. The club will include elevated dining and beverage experiences, curated programming and membership available independent of seating.
“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,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood. “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.”
“We are incredibly grateful for this commitment from Rich and Leslie Frank,” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Shauna Green. “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 is the Franks’ third major gift to the University of Illinois. They donated $7.5 million to the College of Media in 2020, establishing the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media and rebuilding the television studios used by student journalists. In 2023, they donated $2.5 million to renovate the lower level of Gregory Hall that included the creation of a state-of-the-art hyflex classroom.
“Rich and Leslie continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the University of Illinois and to the success of our student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. “Their generosity has already reshaped our campus in profound ways, and this latest gift further elevates our men’s and women’s basketball programs. Over the years, we have come to know them not only as visionary leaders and generous supporters, but as genuine friends who care deeply about our student-athletes, our coaches, and the future of Fighting Illini Athletics. Their passion for Illinois is infectious, and their competitive spirit is inspiring. The Rich Frank Club will stand as a testament to their heart, creativity, and unwavering belief in the past, present, and future of the University of Illinois.”
Rich Frank is a U of I alumnus who received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He started his career in advertising in New York City before moving across the country to Los Angeles. In 1977, he became President of Paramount Television Group, overseeing the creation and production of shows such as Taxi, Family Ties and Cheers, as well as the entertainment news show Entertainment Tonight. In 1985, he became President of Disney Studios and under his leadership, the studio created iconic sitcoms such as The Golden Girls and Home Improvement, and films including Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and The Lion King. He also oversaw development of the Disney Channel.
Rich also served three terms as President of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and is currently a Vice Chairman on the American Film Institute Board of Directors.
Leslie Frank is an Emmy Award-winning journalist whose 25-year career included anchoring in Los Angeles and Seattle, reporting from New York City after 9/11, covering Hurricane Katrina and covering the Michael Jackson trial.
Both are current vintners and hospitality leaders in Napa Valley.
“I was the son of a WWII veteran and wholesale meatpacker 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,” Rich said. “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.”