Wyoming Athletics Launches “Step Forward for Basketball” Campaign to Build on Historic Momentum

Following one of its most exciting and successful seasons in recent years, University of Wyoming Athletics and the Cowboy Joe Club have officially launched the “Step Forward for Basketball” campaign, an initiative designed to capitalize on unprecedented momentum and elevate the future of Cowboy Basketball.
The campaign aims to raise $250,000 in support of revenue sharing for the Wyoming men’s basketball program. Already, nearly $100,000 has been committed by a group of dedicated supporters, signaling strong belief in the direction of the program.
With momentum building, the focus now turns to the remaining $150,000 needed to fully capitalize on this opportunity.
“This is a moment for Wyoming Basketball,” said Head Coach Sundance Wicks. “We’ve seen what this team is capable of, and more importantly, what it can become. The momentum we’ve built is real, but sustaining it and taking the next step will require all of us. What we are building is great, but if we want to cut down the nets, this can’t be where we settle. It’s more important than ever that we double down, and that includes financially.”
The 2025–26 season marked a turning point for the program. The Cowboys recorded 14 home wins, their most since the 2021–22 season, along with 18 regular season victories and a return to postseason play with an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), the program’s first since 2021–22.
In an era defined by NIL and revenue sharing, Wyoming has also seen a significant show of internal commitment, as four key contributors – Uriah Rojas, Nasir ‘Naz’ Meyer, Khaden Bennett, and Gavin Gores – have chosen to return to Laramie, further fueling optimism heading into the 2026–27 season.
“To see our players choose to stay at Wyoming and continue building something special says everything about their belief in our state, and the culture of this program,” Wicks added. “Now, we have to match that commitment.”
As part of the campaign’s launch, Wicks announced a personal gift of $15,000, reinforcing his belief in the program and setting the tone for collective action.
“The Wicks’ are stepping forward because we believe in what we’re building,” Wicks said. “But this isn’t about one person. This is about a family. Our fans have always shown up in the stands and in our communities, and now we’re asking them to take the next step and become stakeholders in the future of Wyoming Basketball.”
The “Step Forward for Basketball” campaign builds on the success of the original Step Forward initiative (aimed at raising $500,000 for football revenue sharing) and emphasizes the critical role that donor support plays in today’s collegiate athletics landscape. Contributions will directly support student-athletes by providing resources necessary to compete at the highest level.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to participate at any level.
“Every gift, no matter the size, is more important than ever,” said Director of Athletics Tom Burman. “Our revenue sharing efforts across multiple sports are helping us to retain great student-athletes and build legitimate momentum from year-to-year, just like we are seeing with the men’s basketball program. Now is our chance to take that even further.”
This is a moment to be part of something bigger than a season.
This is a moment to Step Forward.
Giving Levels – More than Just a Number
Every number tells a story. Each reflects the progress, momentum, and belief driving Wyoming Basketball forward. As you consider your gift, the Cowboy Joe Club invites you to give at any level, or find inspiration in the milestones that define this program.
$77 – Wyoming’s Points Per Game in 2025-26
Our highest scoring output since 2017, signaling an offense on the rise
$95 – Wyoming’s Final KenPom Ranking
A top-100 finish that reflects the progress and potential of this program.
$123 – The 123rd Team in Wyoming History
Honoring the 2026–27 Cowboys and the legacy they will represent as the 123rd Wyoming Cowboy team.
$318 – Team GPA of 3.18
Excellence in the classroom, proving our student-athletes win beyond the court.
$465 – Total Assists in 2025–26
The most since 2017–18 – built on trust, teamwork, and unselfish play.
$511 – Total Free Throws Made
The most since 2016–17 – discipline, toughness, and execution when it matters most.
$1,145 – Points from Our Returning Core
The foundation is back. The future is already in motion.
$2,026 – Return to the Postseason
Our first postseason appearance since 2022, and just the beginning.
$6,384 – Memories Made over CSU
A total of 6,384 fans packed the Arena-Auditorium to watch Wyoming take down rival Colorado State on Jan. 21, 2026, our final home game against the Rams as a conference rival.
With early momentum already established, the opportunity is clear. Wyoming Athletics is calling on Cowboy fans across the state and beyond to Step Forward and help close the gap to $250,000, ensuring this momentum continues and grows.
The future of Wyoming Basketball is being built right now. The only question is: will YOU be part of it?
To learn more or make a gift, visit GoWyo.com/StepForward, or call the Cowboy Joe Club at 307-766-6242.




