Fresno State Athletic Director Garrett Klassy, Diamond Learning Center Founder and President Jami De La Cerda and Fresno State Head Football Coach Matt Entz pose for photos at a July 2025 press conference announcing a matching $1 million donation campaign. Photo by Ben Hensley
Fresno State has extended Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy’s contract through June 30, 2031, as the university prepares for a new era of Bulldog Athletics.
Klassy, who was named athletic director in June 2024, has overseen the department’s transition to the Pac-12 Conference, which became effective July 1.
“This is home for us,” Klassy said. “My family loves Fresno and the Valley, and I am incredibly fortunate to work every day alongside a transformational leader and visionary president in Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.”
Brought media rights, sponsorships
During Klassy’s tenure, Fresno State created Bulldog Sports Enterprises, an in-house multimedia rights and corporate partnerships operation aimed at expanding revenue opportunities, local business partnerships and name, image and likeness opportunities for student-athletes.
The department also secured its largest corporate partnership with The Wonderful Company, featuring jersey patch branding, football field branding and other assets.
Fresno State also reported record fundraising during Klassy’s tenure, along with department-record academic performance among student-athletes.
On-field product, entertainment
On the field, the Bulldogs won the Mountain West Baseball Championship and an NCAA women’s discus national championship. Klassy also made five head coaching hires, including football coach Matt Entz.
Football attendance averaged more than 40,000 fans per game, while Valley Children’s Stadium hosted its first concert, featuring global pop star Shakira.
“Fresno State Athletics belongs to the Valley,” Klassy said. “Our responsibility is to bring people together, create experiences that make our community proud and make sure people throughout this region feel connected to the Bulldogs.”
Klassy will oversee Fresno State’s transition into the Pac-12 while focusing on athletics facilities, revenue, student-athlete experiences and competitive success.
“We are just getting started,” Klassy said.