Gonzaga’s Mark Few Donates Entire Contract Extension and $350,000 Bonus to Charity, Cementing His Legacy as a Leader and Humanitarian
May 20, 2025 | Spokane, WA — In a heartfelt gesture that transcends college athletics, Gonzaga men’s basketball head coach Mark Few has announced he will donate the entirety of his one-year contract extension — along with a $350,000 Sweet 16 performance bonus — to charity. The funds will be directed primarily toward homelessness support programs and youth outreach initiatives in Spokane and surrounding communities.
Few’s decision, revealed at a press conference on Gonzaga’s campus Monday morning, has drawn admiration from fans, alumni, and college basketball peers nationwide. Known for his calm leadership and consistent excellence on the court, Few is now being celebrated for his compassion off it.
A Champion On and Off the Court
Few, who has led the Zags since 1999, signed a one-year extension earlier this month that will keep him with the program through the 2026 season. Though financial terms were not officially disclosed, sources estimate the extension to be worth more than $2 million. Combined with a $350,000 performance bonus for reaching the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament — Gonzaga’s 13th such appearance under Few — the total donation marks one of the largest single-year charitable contributions by a college basketball coach in recent memory.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Few said. “Basketball has given me so much, but it’s always been about more than just wins and losses. This community has supported me and my family for decades. It’s time to give something meaningful back.”
Supporting Spokane’s Most Vulnerable
The bulk of Few’s donation will go toward organizations tackling homelessness and housing insecurity in Spokane, a growing concern in the Inland Northwest. Beneficiaries include Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium, and local youth outreach programs such as Hoopfest Cares and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest.
Few emphasized the importance of supporting both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
“We’re not just talking about a roof over someone’s head,” he said. “We’re talking about dignity, safety, and hope. If this can help move the needle, even a little, it’s worth every penny.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
Under Mark Few, Gonzaga has grown from a mid-major underdog into a perennial powerhouse and national brand. With multiple Final Four appearances, a national runner-up finish, and a reputation for developing talent and character, the Zags have become synonymous with sustained excellence — thanks in large part to Few’s steady hand.
But for many, it’s this latest move that truly defines his legacy.
“Mark Few’s generosity reflects everything we value at Gonzaga,” said university president Thayne McCulloh. “He’s a leader in every sense — not just in competition, but in community.”
Looking Ahead
Few remains focused on the future of Gonzaga basketball, already deep into recruiting and player development for the 2025–26 season. But this donation, and the spirit behind it, may be his most lasting assist.
In a time when college sports are increasingly defined by money and pressure, Mark Few has reminded the world of a different kind of victory — the kind measured not in banners, but in lives changed.