At CU, there's always some sort of new program that is brought in to help fans feel more connected to the team.
Rick George has always been one to find new ways to fundraise. But this one takes the cake.
Colorado Athletics introduced Buffs Premier, a membership platform that might actually be a pretty groundbreaking move. With the college sports landscape spinning faster than ever, CU is making a clear statement: the fans matter.
And with consistent chatter all week about how Coach Prime needs more funding to compete with teams like Texas Tech, this program may be a small solution to the problem.
Launched in partnership with Two Circles—an industry giant in data-driven fan engagement—Buffs Premier is a loyalty program owned and operated entirely by a university athletic department.
In other words: this is a direct connection between the Buffs and the people who ride with them every step of the way. Let's hope it works.
What Exactly Is Buffs Premier?
Think of it as a premium fan experience. Buffs Premier is a tiered membership program (Black, Silver, and Gold), starting at $39.99/month. Members get everything from exclusive content and custom merch to sideline sweepstakes, facility tours, and meet-and-greets with players and coaches.
But what makes it interesting is that every dollar goes back to supporting Colorado student-athletes in all sports and on all teams.
So whether you’re a football diehard or a ski team loyalist, Buffs Premier lets you support all programs in a tangible, lasting way.
“Buffs Premier brings the CU Buffaloes to our fans, students, and alumni like never before,” said Athletic Director Rick George. “This is a new bar in fan engagement and student-athlete support.”
Fan-Driven in Every Way
As we try to stay competitive across every sport, sustainable support is everything.
Buffs Premier solves that in a way that actually feels good. Anybody can invest in the future of the Buffs, while getting real value as a fan.
The early incentives are impressive. Founding members receive a personalized video from a Buffs athlete. There’s also exclusive merch delivered to your door, and depending on your tier, you could end up with front-row seats at Folsom, or courtside at the CU Events Center.
“This isn’t just about perks,” said Nick Garner, EVP of Two Circles College. “It’s about genuine connection. Buffs Premier treats fans like insiders and partners in the program’s success.”
This is a long-term play to build sustainable fan engagement—and yes, revenue.
Final Word
I’m genuinely hopeful Buffs Premier becomes a game-changer it’s promising to be.
Programs like the Buff Club and Alumni C‑Club have been around for years, but this is different—this is designed for any fans, not just donors. It’ll only work if CU delivers on the perks and continues reinvesting smartly in athletes across every sport.
The real risk is if those digital perks are lame, or if fan feedback and engagement falls flat, it could feel more like a subscription fee.
But if CU keeps the momentum, stays transparent with how the funds are being used, and listens when fans suggest upgrades (like when we all suggested a new sound system), Buffs Premier might just work.
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