SAN DIEGO – Chase Fisher, a 2010 alumnus of San Diego State University and founder of Blenders Eyewear, has pledged a $5 million gift to the Aztec men’s basketball program to support recruitment and retention as it prepares for a 2026 move into the Pac-12.
Announced today, the five-year gift to the SDSU MESA men’s basketball recruitment and retention fund follows $275,000 in previous philanthropy from Blenders to support SDSU athletics.
“This incredible $5 million commitment is a transformative moment for our men’s basketball program,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics JD Wicker. “In today’s highly competitive collegiate landscape, where recruitment and retention resources are more vital than ever, this gift provides the flexible, sustained funding we need.”
“Competitive revenue-sharing is essential to attracting and retaining elite talent,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brian Dutcher. “Chase isn’t in this to play the game, he wants to change the game, and this extraordinary gift helps us establish a new standard of excellence.”
This gift establishes the Chase Fisher Athletics Support Fund, enhancing the resources necessary to compete for the nation’s best talent in today’s NIL era, which allows athletes to benefit directly from their name, image or likeness.
“What makes this moment special isn’t the size of the gift, it’s the story behind it,” Fisher said. “Every dollar represents lessons, losses, and late nights that started right here.”
With the motto “life in forward motion,” Fisher founded his beach-oriented sunglasses company in 2012 now known for its distinctively affordable designer eyewear (some styles selling for as little as $49.
“When I started Blenders, I didn’t have a blueprint. I built one,” Fisher said. “My goal is for SDSU to become that blueprint for future athletes who want to build something of their own. I want SDSU to become the school where athletes learn how to build, not just plays, but personal brands, businesses, and futures.”
Fisher graduated with a bachelor of arts in communication from the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.
He was working as a surf coach when he founded his company with $2,000 borrowed from a roommate. In 2019, international eyewear company Safilo Group acquired a 70 percent stake in Blenders. Since then, Fisher has kept close ties between Blenders Eyewear and SDSU.
The 2025-26 season marks the program’s final year in the Mountain West Conference, where it has won nine regular season titles and seven conference tournament championships, more than any other team in league history. In 2025, four men’s basketball players were named Mountain West Scholar-Athletes, requiring a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
“Chase Fisher’s extraordinary gift is a transformative investment in SDSU Men’s Basketball and a powerful reflection of the bold, entrepreneurial spirit that defines our university,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “Much like his journey as the visionary founder of Blenders Eyewear, this commitment mirrors the innovation, pride, and forward-thinking leadership that propels SDSU into the future —especially as we prepare to enter the Pac-12.”
“This landmark contribution comes at a defining moment in our history,” de la Torre added. “We are profoundly grateful to Chase for his generosity and belief in our mission. His support will elevate our ability to recruit, develop, and retain exceptional student-athletes who embody the excellence and energy of SDSU on the national stage.”