$17.3 million commitment from Larry Layne strengthens football and men’s basketball, fuels broad impact across university
The UCLA Department of Athletics has announced a major $17.3 million commitment that will directly support its football and men’s basketball programs, reinforcing UCLA’s competitive position at a pivotal moment in collegiate athletics.
The funding represents the largest portion of a broader commitment totaling more than $40 million that will benefit multiple areas across the university, including health sciences, academic programs, the arts, and club athletics.
The commitment reflects the lifelong relationship between UCLA and Lawrence “Larry” Layne, a former student-athlete, coach, and devoted supporter whose connection to the university spanned more than six decades.
Layne’s passion for UCLA Athletics—particularly football, men’s basketball, and rugby—was matched by a deep belief in the university’s broader mission, shaping a legacy of sustained engagement and campus-wide impact.
Of the $17.3 million directed to Athletics, $9.6 million will support the football program and $7.7 million will benefit men’s basketball. The investment arrives as both programs navigate a rapidly evolving college sports environment, with heightened demands around facilities, student-athlete support, and long-term competitiveness.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for Larry’s longstanding history of generosity to both campus and the athletic department, including this transformational gift,” said Martin Jarmond, UCLA’s Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics.
“I am fortunate to have spent time with Larry and get to know his deep passion for UCLA Athletics, particularly his desire to help our football and men’s basketball programs thrive in this new era of collegiate sports. His investment positions future generations of Bruin student-athletes for long-term success.”
Layne’s relationship with UCLA began when he enrolled at what is now the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Although drawn to the university for its academic reputation, he was equally compelled by UCLA’s top-ranked men’s rugby program, where he competed under the leadership of legendary coach Dennis Storer. Rugby proved formative, instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience that would later influence Layne’s professional life and philanthropic priorities.
Those values carried into his career in real estate, where he founded Nova Storage, a firm specializing in acquisition, construction, brokerage, and property management. As his business success grew, so too did his commitment to giving back to UCLA, expanding steadily across athletics, academics, healthcare, and the arts.
UCLA head football coach Bob Chesney emphasized the significance of the support for the program’s future. “As a former UCLA student-athlete and coach, Larry fully understood the hard work and determination required to be at your best both on and off the field,” Chesney said.
“This incredibly generous commitment will make a big impact as we continue building a championship football team. We are grateful to Larry and his wife Sheelagh for their support, and we will honor his legacy by supporting our student-athletes and upholding UCLA’s True Bruin values.”
Men’s basketball head coach Mick Cronin echoed those sentiments, noting the essential role of philanthropic support in sustaining excellence.
“This university has tremendous resources for student-athletes, but our ability to thrive depends on the generosity of loyal supporters like Larry,” Cronin said. “This commitment will help us continue building a basketball program defined by elite young men, strong character, and competitive excellence.”
Beyond Athletics, the broader commitment will extend Layne’s impact across UCLA. Funding includes $11.4 million to UCLA Health to advance research in cardiology and hepatology, $5.7 million to UCLA Anderson to support entrepreneurship and real estate studies, $3.8 million for men’s rugby, and $1.9 million to enhance programming at UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance. Together, the support reflects a holistic vision for the university, spanning discovery, creativity, leadership, and competition.
Athletics remained a consistent focus throughout Layne’s decades of engagement with UCLA. His first contribution supported the UCLA Women’s Rugby Club, where he also served as the program’s inaugural coach.
Over the years, he backed major facility improvements, including the renovation of Pauley Pavilion and provided early support for what became the Wasserman Football Center. He also contributed to UCLA’s baseball, softball, women’s tennis, and men’s water polo programs. In total, Layne made nearly 100 contributions to UCLA Athletics, amounting to approximately $18.8 million in support.
Together with his wife, Sheelagh Boyd, Layne also supported the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, Student Affairs, the Chancellor’s Greatest Needs Fund, the Hammer Museum, and numerous other campus initiatives, with more than 300 gifts made over the course of their involvement.
From athletics to health sciences, from entrepreneurship to the arts, Larry Layne’s commitment to UCLA reflects a lifetime of belief in the power of opportunity and institutional excellence.
His impact will continue to shape the university and its student-athletes for generations to come, reinforcing UCLA’s ability to lead, compete, and innovate at the highest levels.