Vinny Lobdell is making waves in the Syracuse basketball community. A dedicated supporter, Lobdell is often seen courtside next to Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony, cheering on the Orange.
Beyond being a fan, Lobdell is actively contributing to the program’s growth and success. Last year, he hosted the Summer Slam, a fundraising event featuring exciting 3-point shooting and slam-dunk contests at his home in Skaneateles.
Now, Lobdell is taking his commitment a step further. He’s assembling a group ready to invest millions into the program, aiming to bolster the efforts of head coach Gerry McNamara.
“I’ve got a group of friends and colleagues who have committed to raising $4 to $5 million,” Lobdell shared. This group is made up of about 25 to 30 CEOs and business leaders from Syracuse and beyond. Notably, Carmelo Anthony isn’t involved at this point.
Lobdell understands the financial demands of building a competitive team, especially in today’s landscape where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals play a crucial role. “My phone has been ringing off the hook from people who love the program and want to be part of it,” he said. “We need to raise that kind of money to give Gerry and the team enough to compete.”
Syracuse has faced a five-year NCAA Tournament drought, and Lobdell believes McNamara is the right person to reignite the fan base. McNamara, a Syracuse legend himself, was pivotal in the Orange’s 2003 NCAA championship win and boasts a storied career with over 2,000 points.
“Gerry McNamara represents everything Syracuse basketball is built on - toughness, pride, and the ability to rise to the moment,” Lobdell said. “He understands hard work, accountability, and what it takes to earn success. That’s something this community truly connects with.”
McNamara has been vocal about the need for substantial financial backing to remain competitive in the ACC, estimating a requirement of $9 to $10 million. Lobdell echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of NIL in today’s college athletics.
“Syracuse now understands that without NIL we can’t compete at a high level,” Lobdell noted. “The fans believe in him because of who he is.”
Lobdell’s dedication extends beyond financial contributions. He’s planning another Summer Slam event at his home, promising an even bigger spectacle than last year’s, which featured past NBA dunk champions like Spud Webb and Dee Brown.
“We’re really excited about that,” Lobdell said. “With Gerry coming over, we’re going to amplify it to another level.”
Through these efforts, Lobdell is not just supporting Syracuse basketball; he’s helping to shape its future.