$5 Million Gift Propels SDSU Men’s Basketball into new Era
San Diego, CA – San Diego State University’s men’s basketball program received a transformative $5 million gift from alumnus Chase Fisher, founder of Blenders Eyewear, the university announced today. The donation is intended to elevate the program’s ability to recruit, develop, and retain student-athletes as SDSU prepares to join the Pac-12 Conference in the 2025-26 season.
Fisher, a 2023 graduate of SDSU’s College of Professional Studies and fine Arts with a bachelor of arts in dialog, envisions SDSU as a model for athlete entrepreneurship. “my goal is for SDSU to become that blueprint for future athletes who want to build something of their own,” Fisher stated. “I want SDSU to become the school where athletes learn how to build, not just plays, but personal brands, businesses, and futures.”
Fisher founded Blenders Eyewear with $2,000 borrowed from a roommate, later expanding into snow goggles. In 2019, Safilo Group acquired a 70% stake in the company. He has maintained close ties with SDSU, recently speaking at the ZIP Launchpad’s “Startup Stories” series in September 2024.
Blenders Eyewear recently launched a limited-edition “PRIME21 MOD” sunglasses line in partnership with Deion Sanders, with 100% of profits benefiting the Keep A Breast Foundation.
the gift arrives as SDSU men’s basketball enters a defining moment in its history. The program has reached the NCAA Tournament for the past five seasons, including a historic run to the national championship game in 2023. Before transitioning to the Pac-12, SDSU will complete its tenure in the Mountain West Conference, where it has secured nine regular season titles and seven conference tournament championships - more than any other team. in 2025, four men’s basketball players were recognized as 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. “This landmark contribution comes at a defining moment in our history… 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.”
