The University of South Florida (USF) has received a $25m gift from Tampa General Hospital (TGH), helping the latter secure naming rights for the Center for Athletic Excellence and the university's athletics district.

This is said to be the largest-ever donation made to USF athletics.

The Center for Athletic Excellence, part of USF's new on-campus stadium project, will feature a dedicated clinical space for TGH to provide behavioural health services, assessments, treatments, therapies, and career mentoring.

USF president Rhea Law said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tampa General Hospital for this historic gift and for their phenomenal partnership with USF that goes back decades.

“This investment in our students, our university, and our community will have far-reaching positive impacts for generations to come.”

This partnership aims to strengthen the community by expanding access to care and support for both the university and the broader Tampa Bay region.

The new, on-campus stadium is set to open in 2026 and will include facilities to support USF's student-athletes.

USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman and Athletics vice-president Michael Kelly said: “This is another great day to be a Bull.

“The new, on-campus stadium and its Center for Athletic Excellence will elevate the landscape of our entire Tampa General Hospital Athletics District.

“We are grateful to John Couris and his entire TGH team for their significant investment in USF’s ascension to new heights of excellence in academics, health care, and athletics.”