Martin Jarmond Out at UCLA as Former Lakers Executive Takes Over Amid Money Crisis

UCLA has dismissed athletics director Martin Jarmond after six years in the role, with former Los Angeles Lakers executive Tim Harris appointed to lead the university's athletics department on an interim basis.

The change comes as UCLA attempts to address a significant financial deficit and adapt to the changing economics of US college sport. Chancellor Julio Frenk said the department's current financial path was unsustainable and tasked Harris with developing new sources of revenue while protecting the breadth of the university's sports programme.

Jarmond is owed $6.5 million (about £4.8 million) under the remainder of his contract, according to ESPN, while financial documents show UCLA Athletics has accumulated $241.1 million (£177.88 million) in deficits over seven fiscal years. The department's most recent annual deficit was $21.6 million (£16 million), down from $51.8 million (£38.3 million) the previous year, with increased Big Ten media-rights revenue helping to narrow the shortfall.

Harris Takes On Financial Challenge

Harris, a 1989 UCLA graduate and former men's soccer player, spent more than 35 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, most recently as president of business operations. He left the NBA organisation earlier this year and will serve as UCLA's chief executive and athletic director on a pro bono basis.

Frenk said Harris' experience building sports organisations and developing commercial partnerships would help UCLA create new revenue streams. His responsibilities will include developing strategies around partnerships, licensing and other commercial ventures.

The appointment comes as UCLA seeks to reduce its reliance on institutional support while maintaining its full range of sports programmes. Jarmond is owed $6.5 million under the remainder of his contract following his dismissal.

His departure also comes after UCLA reportedly paid former football head coach DeShaun Foster $5.6 million (£4.1 million) in a settlement following his dismissal last year. Together, the two departures represent more than $12 million (£9 million) in reported contractual payouts.

Jarmond Oversaw Big Ten Move

Jarmond joined UCLA in 2020 after serving as athletic director at Boston College. His contract was extended through 2029 in 2024, but his tenure ended after six years amid continuing financial pressures.

One of his biggest decisions was overseeing UCLA's move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten in 2024. The switch significantly increased media-rights revenue, with UCLA receiving $61.2 million (£45.2 million) from the Big Ten in 2024-25, compared with $19.9 million (£14.7 million) in its final Pac-12 year.

Jarmond's record also included significant sporting success. UCLA teams won nine NCAA championships across six sports during his tenure, including three national titles in the 2025-26 season. The department also reported more than $41 million (£30 million) in private philanthropy during that academic year.

UCLA Seeks Sustainable Future

Harris takes charge as UCLA prepares for its second season in the Big Ten and adjusts to the changing economics of US college sport, including the growing impact of Name, Image and Likeness arrangements.

Frenk said the university wanted to protect UCLA's broad range of sports while ensuring the department could generate sufficient revenue to support its programmes and student-athletes.

Harris will be tasked with finding new commercial opportunities while helping reshape UCLA's financial model. His appointment comes as the university enters a new phase under head coach Bob Chesney and faces growing financial pressures across American college athletics.

Harris will serve on an interim basis while UCLA considers its longer-term leadership.