Alumnus and Wife Donate $7 Million to Support Fighting Illini Basketball Programs
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Rich and Leslie Frank announced Wednesday that they have made yet another donation to the University of Illinois, this time with $7 million in support of the Fighting Illini men's and women's basketball programs. In recognition of their generosity, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will create the Rich Frank Club at State Farm Center.
"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."
This marks the Franks' third major gift to Rich Frank's alma mater. In 2020, they made a $7.5 million commitment – the largest in the College of Media's history. It established the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media and included rebuilding the College Television Studios. In 2023, the couple followed with a $2.5 million gift to renovation of the lower level of Gregory Hall, highlighted by the creation of a state-of-the-art hyflex classroom.
The new gift will support renovations to team and player spaces at State Farm Center and allow DIA to create the Rich Frank Club, which will be located in the former Orange Krush Club at State Farm Center. The Rich Frank Club will provide a new, membership-driven hospitality space for men's and women's basketball, concerts and auxiliary events, offering an experience unlike any other premium space in the arena for guests to enjoy before, during, and after 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."
Rich Frank is the former President of Disney Studios, and Leslie Frank is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. Both are now vintners and hospitality leaders in Napa Valley and are proud to make investments in the University of Illinois that will be felt for generations, across both academics and sports.
Rich received his bachelor's degree in marketing at Illinois and credits his time in Champaign-Urbana as one of the most pivotal and influential in his development.
"I was the son of a WWII veteran and wholesale meatpacker from Brooklyn," said Rich. "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. 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."
Rich began his career at the advertising agency BBDO in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to work as a sales Manager at KTLA. He then served as President of Chris-Craft Broadcasting. 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 groundbreaking entertainment news show, Entertainment Tonight. In 1985 he became President of Disney Studios. 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 served three terms as President of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from the American Film Institute, where he is currently a Vice Chairman on the AFI's Board of Directors.
Leslie Frank is an Emmy Award-winning journalist whose 25-year career in television news included reporting from ground zero on 9/11, covering Hurricane Katrina, and the Michael Jackson trial, as well as anchoring in major markets including Los Angeles and Seattle. Â
Rich and Leslie are the founders of Frank Family Vineyards, which grew over a span of three decades into one of the most beloved and iconic wineries in Napa Valley. In 2021, the Franks sold the winery to Treasury Wine Estates and remain active as winery representatives. Leslie Frank serves on Treasury's Board of Directors.
Rich and Leslie remain deeply engaged with the University of Illinois and regularly return to campus to support academic initiatives and Fighting Illini Athletics.
