EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University announced a huge donation that the university says will help reshape Spartan athletics.
“Today is truly a historic moment for Michigan State Athletics and our entire campus community,” J. Batt, Michigan State’s athletic director, said. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a more impactful singular moment in the history of MSU athletics.”
Batt stood at center court at the Breslin Center, flanked by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, to announce that the massive $401 million donation comes from Greg Williams, the owner of the Grand Rapids-based Acrisure, an insurance company, and his wife, Dawn.
It’s the largest financial donation in MSU’s history -- by a wide margin -- and one of the largest single donations ever in college sports.
The previous record donation was $32 million in 2021 from Mat Ishbia, the CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage and owner of the Phoenix Suns, who played basketball at MSU from 1999-2002.
Williams’ donation was made in support of MSU’s newly-minted $1 billion “For Sparta” initiative, which launched earlier his week, and pledges massive upgrades to Spartan Stadium, the Breslin Center, and Jenison Fieldhouse by 2032.
“Greg and Dawn’s commitment will serve as the rocket fuel to propel Michigan State Athletics back to the top 10 athletic departments where it belongs,” Batt said. “$390 million of this incredible gift will support all of our student athletes across all of our programs.”
A Laingsburg native, Williams grew up a Spartan fan and has been a longtime supporter of Spartan athletics, despite not attending the school.
The Williams’ previously donated $25 million to the athletic department, including $10 million toward the MSU Football building, and they received a lobby in their names that was officially dedicated in 2024.
“When we think about MSU, the leadership, the friendship, and what that all represents to us, that’s the reason why,” Williams said during the press conference. “There is an inspiration that we get from this place.”
Williams, 64, was spotted at MSU’s game against Iowa on Tuesday night with new head football coach Pat Fitzgerald.
“They’re leading an entire community, state and even a country,” Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo said. “They’re always thinking about how they can use their gifts to positively impact others.”
During the press conference, Williams and Batt were asked about the possibility that Acrisure would be given naming rights to Spartan Stadium or the Breslin Center.
Acrisure currently has the naming rights at Acrisure Stadium, formerly Heinz Field, which is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While Williams said the donation was not for that purpose, Batt did indicate that stadium naming rights are indeed up for grabs.
“This is really about what we can do to be supportive, and so that’s kind of our emphasis and focus here, as opposed to specific naming rights,” Williams said. “If they can preserve some naming rights opportunities with other parties, that’s good for MSU. That’s good for us.”