In an exclusive sit-down interview on March 30, 2026, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter characterized the current state of college sports as “the most disruptive, transformative time” ever in his 35-year career.

Facing a polarized response from the Miner community regarding win-loss records, Senter framed the department’s financial strategy as a mechanical necessity rather than a choice.

As UTEP Athletics prepares for its transition into the Mountain West Conference this July, Senter was blunt about the high cost of staying competitive in the modern era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and Revenue Sharing (Rev Share).

“The win-loss records in football, men’s and women’s basketball are nowhere near where we want them to be,” Senter admitted in a follow-up address to “Miner Nation.”

“But we understand that we need to provide [the coaching staff] with the tools to be successful. I believe we have a resource challenge, not a head coaching issue.”

Senter compared the current recruiting landscape to a high-stakes “arms race” where student-athletes no longer choose schools based solely on traditional recruitment.

“You don’t really out recruit people anymore unless you’re recruiting student athletes who are not getting paid NIL,” Senter said. “When it comes down to recruiting transfer student athletes… for the most part, that’s about money.”

To illustrate the point, Senter utilized a car-buying analogy. “Envision for a second… you have a $30,000 budget and I have a $100,000 budget,” Senter said. “Who do you think is most likely going to win the car race? I am, because I have a bigger budget to buy the fastest car… if coaching is more transactional… we need to spend more money if we’re going to buy a faster car.”

According to university records, UTEP has invested heavily in its personnel to remain in that race. Football Head Coach Scotty Walden earned $800,000 in 2025, though he recently donated 10% of his salary back to the school‘s Rev Share pool. Men’s basketball Head Coach Joe Golding’s contract totals $712,000 annually.

Senter clarified that while UTEP’s basketball budget is among the highest in its current conference, those funds are utilized for “general operating expenses,” noting that team travel and recruiting costs are higher due to El Paso‘s “isolated location.”

The primary hurdle remains the Rev Share pool. While NCAA Division I institutions can now provide student-athletes up to $20.5 million annually, UTEP’s current resources are a fraction of that.

Last year, fundraising produced $1.1 million for recruiting and retention. Senter anticipates that number jumping to $3.45 million for the 2026-27 year, utilizing $2.3 million from the department budget to supplement donor gifts, but warned this must grow to match Mountain West peers.
Addressing questions about the record $12 million raised in fiscal year 2025, Senter explained that $8 million was dedicated to the “Climb Higher” initiative to cover conference exit fees. “Essentially, our donors helped us keep the lights on the past two years!” Senter wrote.

Senter challenged the community to increase its investment. “Many of them who are calling themselves fans don’t buy tickets and aren‘t donors right now,” Senter said. “They’re fans. Great. But you’re not helping me change the equation.”

He emphasized that unlike professional sports, the college market is in a state of constant flux. “In professional sports, they have salary caps. And they get to draft their players… It’s an open market. It’s like every day [there] is free agency here in the college market.”

As the July 1 move to the Mountain West approaches, Senter’s vision for the next five years is clear: competing in the top third of the new league.

“There is no money tree in the backyard for us to pull money off of,” Senter said. “It’s going to take everybody… to look for ways to be creative and drive more revenue to be able to have a chance against these competitors.”

Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]