Financial struggles lead to Jarmond firing; UCLA names Harris new athletic director

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 2, 2026

UCLA dismissed athletic director Martin Jarmond and named former Lakers executive Tim Harris as his replacement to address ongoing financial deficits in the athletic department. The leadership change aims to establish a sustainable financial model for UCLA Athletics while navigating the evolving college sports landscape shaped by increased media revenues and NIL opportunities.

UCLA announced the dismissal of athletic director Martin Jarmond on Monday, appointing Tim Harris, former president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, as his replacement. The decision was communicated in a letter from Chancellor Julio Frenk, who framed the leadership change as a step toward a “new path forward for UCLA Athletics.”

Jarmond, 46, who had served as UCLA’s athletic director since 2020, departed immediately. His tenure included three NCAA championships last season, notably the women’s basketball team’s first title. Despite on-field successes, the athletic department has faced persistent financial challenges, running deficits for seven consecutive years that total $241 million. UCLA’s move to the Big Ten Conference two years ago has brought increased revenue through media rights fees but also heightened travel expenses. The department’s deficit narrowed to $21.6 million for the 2025 fiscal year, yet the university has frequently stepped in to provide financial support.

Chancellor Frenk cited the athletic department’s ongoing financial difficulties as a primary factor in the leadership transition. “UCLA Athletics currently carries a significant financial debt, and its current path is not sustainable,” Frenk wrote. He emphasized the need to develop a sustainable model that can maintain the program’s breadth, generate revenue, and provide new opportunities for student-athletes and coaches. Frenk also referenced recent shifts in college sports, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies that have transformed the landscape by enabling athletes to earn income.

Harris, 64, who will serve as both CEO and athletic director on a pro bono basis, brings more than 35 years of experience from his tenure with the Lakers. He left the NBA franchise earlier this year following its sale from the Buss family to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Harris has strong ties to UCLA, having graduated in 1989 with a sociology degree and played as a goalkeeper on the men’s soccer team.

Jarmond’s last significant appointment was football coach Bob Chesney, who was hired in December from James Madison University with hopes of revitalizing UCLA’s struggling football program. Chesney will lead the Bruins as they open the season this Saturday against California.

The university’s leadership move reflects broader challenges faced by collegiate athletic programs in balancing competitive success with financial sustainability amid the evolving dynamics of college sports.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.