ECU: Team Boneyard, The 23 Club to expire, Athletics Excellence Fund forms

by | Jun 26, 2025

East Carolina University on Thursday announced that Team Boneyard and The 23 Club would expire at the end of the month and a new group, Athletics Excellence Fund will be formed.

Below is more information which was posted to ECUPirates.com.

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Team Boneyard & The 23 Club Supporters,

Over the past several years, Team Boneyard – created by Pirates, for Pirates – has played a transformational role in supporting ECU student-athletes. With your help, we’ve navigated the ever-changing world of college athletics, keeping ECU competitive and our athletes supported during an unprecedented time of uncertainty.

Your commitment and generosity have meant everything.

Because of YOU, ECU has remained in the fight.

A New Era: Supporting ECU Athletics in the Post-House Settlement Landscape

As we enter the next phase of college athletics following the House settlement, the model is once again shifting. Formalized revenue sharingwith student-athletes will soon become a reality beginning July 1. To meet this moment, we are evolving our approach to create a more sustainable and compliant path forward – ensuring ECU Athletics continues to thrive.

That’s why we – Team Boneyard and the Pirate Club – are asking all current Team Boneyard and The 23 Club supporters to shift their monthly contributions to the Pirate Club’s Athletics Excellence Fund.

Important Note: Team Boneyard and The 23 Club will officially cease operations on June 30.

The Athletics Excellence Fund: Moving ECU Athletics Forward

This new fund will serve as ECU’s primary vehicle for supporting student-athlete recruitment and retention, scholarships, and revenue sharing with student-athletes – in a way that is compliant and 100% tax-deductible.

Here’s how to switch your support:
1. Log onto your account and cancel your existing monthly draft to Team Boneyard or The 23 Club. To cancel your monthly draft you will need to log in through Paypal, Givebutter, or Square – whichever method you were using to contribute.
2. Call the Pirate Club at (252) 737-4540 to establish a new monthly gift in the same amount directed to the Athletics Excellence Fund.
3. Please note: All recurring payments will be automatically canceled as of 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30 when Team Boneyard and The 23 Club operations cease.
Why this matters:
* Every dollar given to the Athletics Excellence Fund will support revenue sharing for ECU student-athletes.
* Contributions are 100% tax deductible.
* Donors will receive double Pirate Club priority points – 4 points per $100 contributed.
* Those who contribute at least $417/month will be automatically enrolled in the Purple and Gold Society, ECU’s leadership giving society – featuring exclusive benefits.

Thank You

Team Boneyard would not have been possible without YOU. Your support kept ECU competitive through one of the most challenging periods in college sports. Now, your continued support – through the Pirate Club Athletics Excellence Fund—will ensure our student-athletes benefit from the next evolution of college athletics.

Thank you for your belief in ECU Athletics, your passion for our student-athletes, and for continuing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us as we chart this new path together.

Go Pirates!

Team Boneyard & Pirate Club Staff

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