CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois men’s and women’s basketball programs received a seven-figure donation Wednesday, with Rich and Leslie Frank pledging $7 million. Their donation will lead to the creation of the Rich Frank Club at State Farm Center, which will replace the current Orange Krush Club.
The Rich Frank Club will provide a membership-required hospitality space for men’s and women’s basketball games, concerts and other events at State Farm Center. The club will include an “elevated dining and beverage” experience with membership independent of seating.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Rich and Leslie during my time here and truly appreciate their friendship, backing of our program, and loyalty to the University of Illinois,” Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood said in an official release. “The Franks have been remarkably successful throughout their professional careers, and we are fortunate to have such caring, passionate supporters in our corner. They share our vision for Fighting Illini Basketball, and their gift will make a dramatic impact in our pursuit of championships.”
“We are incredibly grateful for this commitment from Rich and Leslie Frank,” Illinois women’s basketball coach Shauna Green added. “Since I arrived here, I have been amazed with the tremendous support we receive from our fans, alumni, and donors. This investment by the Franks in Illinois Basketball is a testament to the affinity they have for this University and will aid us in our quest to be an elite program.”
The recent donation is the third from the Frank family. They made a $7.5 million commitment in 2020 to the College of Media — the largest in its history — to establish the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media. That included rebuilding the College Television Studios. Three years later the couple donated $2.5 million toward the renovation of the lower level Gregory Hall.
Rich Frank is the former President of Disney Studios, and Leslie Frank is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. Both are now vintners and hospitality leaders in California’s Napa Valley. Rich Frank received his bachelor’s in marketing from Illinois.
“I was the son of a WWII veteran and wholesale meat packer from Brooklyn,” Rich Frank said. “As the first in my family to go to college, my dad urged me to go to school far away from home, outside of my comfort zone and culture, so I could be challenged and learn from others. What I received at the U of I was an incredible education, an open-mindedness and acceptance towards other people and cultures. This experience was pivotal to my career across entertainment, wine and business.”