Auto racing executive Steve Newmark will become North Carolina’s athletic director in 2026

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has officially unveiled a landmark leadership transition within its prestigious athletics department, announcing Steve Newmark as the incoming athletic director, a pivotal appointment set to take effect in the summer of 2026. This strategic move sees Newmark, currently the highly regarded president of RFK Racing, poised to succeed the esteemed Bubba Cunningham, whose impactful tenure has guided UNC athletics through more than a decade of significant growth and achievement. The meticulously planned transition ensures continuity, with Cunningham extending his contract for two years to facilitate a seamless handover, underscoring the institution’s commitment to maintaining its trajectory of excellence in college sports.

Newmark’s appointment introduces a distinctive blend of executive acumen gleaned from the high-stakes world of professional auto racing to the realm of collegiate sports administration. His extensive background as president of RFK Racing, a formidable presence in NASCAR, is indicative of a profound emphasis on operational efficiency, strategic expansion, and fostering a culture of high-performance team management. These are qualities that are anticipated to be exceptionally valuable and transformative within the intricate and rapidly evolving landscape of NCAA Division I athletics, offering a fresh perspective on cultivating success both on and off the field for North Carolina athletics.

Bubba Cunningham’s legacy at the helm of North Carolina athletics is one of profound impact and sustained progress. Over his extensive tenure, he has been instrumental in significant fundraising efforts, facility upgrades, and navigating the complexities of collegiate sports, solidifying UNC’s position as a national powerhouse. The decision to extend his contract for an additional two years beyond his initial expected departure highlights the university’s strategic foresight, ensuring that the institution benefits from his continued guidance and institutional knowledge during this crucial transitional period, guaranteeing stability before the full assumption of duties by the new athletic director.

This leadership shift is poised to profoundly influence the future trajectory of North Carolina’s diverse athletic programs, encompassing everything from its iconic basketball and football teams to its myriad Olympic sports. As the institution endeavors to uphold its storied legacy of academic rigor and athletic prowess, Newmark’s vision and strategic oversight will be critical. His proven ability to lead a complex, high-stakes organization in the private sector suggests a potential for innovative approaches to program development, fan engagement, and competitive strategy that could further enhance UNC’s standing within the intensely competitive college sports arena.

Stakeholders, including passionate alumni, dedicated fans, and the broader sports administration community, will be closely observing how Newmark’s leadership shapes the department’s priorities in the coming years. Key areas of focus are expected to include intensified fundraising initiatives vital for sustaining top-tier programs, continued investment in state-of-the-art facility development, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete welfare and holistic development. The blend of corporate discipline and collegiate spirit that Newmark brings to the role is anticipated to drive UNC’s strategic direction, ensuring continued success and adaptability in a dynamic NCAA environment.

The appointment of an individual with a non-traditional background in college sports administration, such as Newmark’s, signals a potential paradigm shift in how major athletic departments seek leadership. His experience in a highly competitive, results-driven industry like professional auto racing could introduce efficiencies, innovative marketing strategies, and a unique perspective on team building and talent management that benefits the entire North Carolina athletics ecosystem. This strategic move positions UNC to not only navigate but also potentially redefine the challenges and opportunities facing major collegiate programs in the modern era.