Record-Setting Fundraising For OU Athletics

The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department set a record for fundraising in the 2023-24 fiscal year, securing $110.3 million in donations, surpassing the previous record of $109 million in FY22. This performance follows the $79 million raised in FY23 and the $58 million in FY21.

The department's ambitious $725 million fundraising goal is part of the university's $2 billion Lead On campaign, aimed at enhancing the student-athlete experience and developing top-tier facilities. Since 2020, OU Athletics has raised over $348 million toward this goal, which will run through 2027.

Joe Castiglione, OU Vice President and Director of Athletics, praised the record support from alumni and friends, emphasizing the importance of their contributions as the department prepares for its transition to the SEC.

During FY24, 17,171 Sooner Club members contributed, including over 2,000 new members, the largest single-year increase. The 1895 Trust, a new society for major donors, grew from 179 to 245 members.

A record 17 donations of at least $1 million were secured in FY24, with Brian and Kim Kimrey’s $20 million gift being the largest single commitment in OU Athletics history. This donation supports the “Road to Omaha” campaign for OU Baseball, aiming to return to the Men's College World Series.

Private donations to the Sooner Club, which do not include state funds or student fees, cover about a third of the athletic department's budget. Over 53% of Sooner Club members exceeded their seat-related contributions in FY24.

Key projects funded include Love’s Field, the new OU Softball stadium, which raised over $37 million—making it the highest-funded female-specific facility project in college athletics. Other renovations include updated basketball facilities at the Lloyd Noble Center and the ongoing construction of the Ransom House, Indoor Golf Performance Facility, Viersen Gymnastics Center, and Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion.

OU Athletics’ fundraising focuses on:

1. Transformative Student-Athlete Experience: $360 million goal, 60.8% raised
2. Inspiring Champions Fund
3. Scholarships
4. Building World-Class Facilities: $365 million goal, 35.5% raised
5. Baseball Stadium and Performance Center
6. Basketball Team Areas
7. Football Facility Projects
8. Coe Center and Golf Practice Facility
9. Viersen Gymnastics Center
10. Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion