By R.L. Bynum
North Carolina is turning to a Chapel Hill native and NASCAR team executive to guide its athletic department into a new era, while long-serving athletics director Bubba Cunningham will transition into a new leadership role.
Steve Newmark, president of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, will take over as UNC’s athletics director in summer 2026 after serving as the Executive Associate Athletic Director for the next school year, focusing on revenue generation for football and men’s and women’s basketball.
In a time when logos on uniforms and playing fields, as well as corporate names attached to arenas and stadiums, will be common in college athletics, Newmark (left) comes from a world in NASCAR where that has been commonplace for years.
“Like many passionate Tar Heel fans, avidly following UNC Athletics has represented a special and unique bond with my family and friends since childhood, and I recognize the role it serves for the University, alumni, community and broader fanbase,” Newmark said. “I look forward to working with Bubba and the entire Tar Heel Nation to continue to elevate UNC’s status as a premier brand in college sports with top-tier programs across the board.”
Cunningham, who has led Carolina athletics since 2011, signed a two-year contract extension through July 2029 and will shift to a new role as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor.
“As part of my last contract extension, I committed to working with University leadership on a succession plan that would positively position Carolina Athletics and our 28 teams for the future,” Cunningham said. “I’m excited for the future.”
Cunningham’s move marks a huge transition for UNC. He oversaw an athletics department that won 24 national titles and dramatic changes in the college athletics landscape.
Newmark, a graduate of William & Mary and the Virginia School of Law, has broad sports business experience. He served on the advisory committee that helped hire Bill Belichick as UNC’s head football coach.
His appointment comes in a huge transitional time for college athletics when schools can share revenue with athletes. Cunningham announced last month that UNC will fully participate — distributing the maximum amount to athletes, with most going to football and men’s basketball and some going to women’s basketball, and baseball.
UNC will add nearly 200 scholarships across its 28 varsity programs.
RFK Racing has three drivers in the Cup series: Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece. Preece’s addition in 2025 made RFK a three-car operation. In the Cup points standings, Buescher is ninth, Preece is 14th and Keselowski is 27th.
Top photo courtesy of UNC Athletics; Newmark photo via his LinkedIn page
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