WILLIAMSBURG, Va.— After careful consideration and a recommendation from the Lord Botetourt Committee, the Lord Botetourt Affair (LBA) will be moved from its previous winter date to the fall of 2026, William & Mary Athletics announced on Friday.
 
The signature event and premier auction of the William & Mary Athletics Foundation for 36 years, the Lord Botetourt Affair has helped support thousands of W&M student-athletes by providing essential resources that directly enhance their academic and athletic experiences.
 
"The Lord Botetourt Affair provides critical support for William & Mary Athletics and we thought long and hard about how we could enhance this very special event while honoring the efforts of those who have worked so hard over the years to make the LBA the stunning success it is," said Brian D. Mann, Director of Athletics.  "We greatly appreciate the important input and support we received from the LBA Committee as we discussed how to make this great event reach new heights."

With the move to a new fall date, William & Mary Athletics is committed to preserving the traditions that have defined the LBA and honoring its legacy, while evolving thoughtfully to meet future needs and opportunities.
 
The scheduling adjustment will allow us to reimagine the event in a new season, broaden engagement, and further elevate its impact. Moreover, it will build on the energy of a new academic and athletic year.
 
"For 36 years, the Lord Botetourt Affair has been one of William & Mary's most cherished traditions," said Michael Brown, Acting Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement. "As we transition the LBA to the fall, we remain deeply grateful for the unwavering support of LBA committee, our dedicated Patrons, and the entire Tribe community.  We look forward to continuing and elevating the success of LBA for years to come!"

The exact date of the 2026 Lord Botetourt Affair will be announced at a later time.
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
Q: Why did LBA get moved to the Fall?
After careful consideration, the decision to move LBA was based on multiple factors. Those factors include: 

• Multiple cross-campus events during the same "winter" timeframe have caused event fatigue and diminished engagement.
• It will provide the opportunity to reimagine the event while keeping its core traditions alive. 
• A chance to capitalize on the energy of the new academic and athletic year, and a chance to attract new patrons and attendees around a home football weekend.

Q: When is the event?
While the exact date of the event has not been determined, it will be held in the fall around a home football game weekend.
 
Q: Who made the decision?
Following a recommendation from the LBA Committee, W&M Athletics leadership made the decision. The LBA Committee was critical in evaluating potential advantages, risks, concerns, and ultimately agreed with the move.
 
Q: What sort of fiscal year financial gap will this cause?
LBA has been a lucrative fundraising event for W&M Athletics since the event's inception. This will create a significant gap in fundraising for FY26. However, the Athletics Advancement team is pursuing a strategy to ensure those funds will be raised.