John Junker, who built the nonprofit Fiesta Bowl into one of college football’s biggest national showcases, is set to plead guilty to charges that he solicited employees to make political contributions and reimbursed them with organizational funds, his attorney tells The Arizona Republic.

The longtime CEO of the Tempe, Ariz., game could face 2½ years in prison under a proposed plea agreement, the newspaper reports.

Mr. Junker was fired last March after an internal investigation detailed the campaign-contribution scheme and other misuse of Fiesta Bowl funds during his time as chief of the organization.

His lawyer said Mr. Junker would not be criminally charged for any other alleged financial improprieties.