University of Oklahoma Athletics
OU Athletics Records Notable Fundraising Results for Lead On Campaign and FY23
August 14, 2023 | Athletics
NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department has surpassed one-third of its $725 million goal toward the Lead On campaign. This campaign, which is the most ambitious in OU Athletics history, focuses on providing a transformative student-athlete experience and building world-class facilities. Since July 2020, Sooner Club members have generously contributed $240 million of the $2 billion university-wide goal. The campaign will extend through 2027.
With two consecutive years of record support, Sooner Club members continue to be a driving force for the future of OU Athletics. As a result of their incredible generosity, fiscal year 2023 saw an all-time record 16,757 Sooner Club members investing $79 million in support of student-athletes, marking the second-largest fundraising year in OU Athletics history. A record-breaking 11 pledges of $1 million or more over the course of last year brings OU Athletics leadership gifts to 25 for the Lead On campaign.
With no state appropriations or student fees, private contributions to the Sooner Club serve as a cornerstone to OU Athletics' finances, funding approximately one-third of the department's annual operating budget. Of the nearly 17,000 Sooner Club members, over 50% have donated above and beyond seat-related contributions, making fiscal year 2023 the second consecutive year that philanthropic giving surpassed required annual-per-seat donations.
"In a year that has presented much change in the college athletics landscape, our stakeholders, donors and fans have been unwavering," said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. "More than ever, we're intent on providing transformative opportunities for all student-athletes, ensuring our facilities are world-class and creating second-to-none fan experiences. It's because of the generosity and loyal commitment of our donors that we can continue to advance our mission. To recognize two consecutive years of historic fundraising is both humbling and momentous. And we can't wait to see what this year brings."
Notable fiscal year 2023 philanthropic pledges and gifts for student-athlete initiatives and facility projects from Sooner Club members include:
• $17 million contributed by 1,256 members toward Women of Championship Excellence and female-specific student-athlete initiatives
• $11 million invested by 232 members toward OU Football
• $7.6 million supporting the Inspiring Champions Fund - made possible by 4,573 members
• $5.7 million from 136 members toward the Baseball Stadium Project
The OU Athletics Department continues to fundraise with the goal of providing a world-class experience for all student-athletes through philanthropic contributions. Pursuing excellence in sport, in the classroom and in life remain at the core of OU Athletics' fundraising vision, and the following student-athlete-focused initiatives are at the forefront of the department's' priorities:
Transformative Student-Athlete Experience – $360 Million Goal
39% of Fundraising Goal Has Been Raised
• Inspiring Champions Fund
• Women of Championship Excellence
• Athletics Director Discretionary Fund
• Scholarships and Championship Resources for Student-Athletes
Building World-Class Facilities – $365 Million Goal
28% of Fundraising Goal Has Been Raised
• Baseball Stadium and Performance Center
• Basketball Team Areas at the Lloyd Noble Center
• Football Facility Projects
• Coe Center and Golf Practice Facility
• Viersen Gymnastics Center
• Love's Field
• Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion at Headington Family Tennis Center
Those interested in giving to OU Athletics and the Lead On campaign should contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or visit SoonerSports.com/LeadOn. To give now, click here.
With two consecutive years of record support, Sooner Club members continue to be a driving force for the future of OU Athletics. As a result of their incredible generosity, fiscal year 2023 saw an all-time record 16,757 Sooner Club members investing $79 million in support of student-athletes, marking the second-largest fundraising year in OU Athletics history. A record-breaking 11 pledges of $1 million or more over the course of last year brings OU Athletics leadership gifts to 25 for the Lead On campaign.
With no state appropriations or student fees, private contributions to the Sooner Club serve as a cornerstone to OU Athletics' finances, funding approximately one-third of the department's annual operating budget. Of the nearly 17,000 Sooner Club members, over 50% have donated above and beyond seat-related contributions, making fiscal year 2023 the second consecutive year that philanthropic giving surpassed required annual-per-seat donations.
"In a year that has presented much change in the college athletics landscape, our stakeholders, donors and fans have been unwavering," said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. "More than ever, we're intent on providing transformative opportunities for all student-athletes, ensuring our facilities are world-class and creating second-to-none fan experiences. It's because of the generosity and loyal commitment of our donors that we can continue to advance our mission. To recognize two consecutive years of historic fundraising is both humbling and momentous. And we can't wait to see what this year brings."
Notable fiscal year 2023 philanthropic pledges and gifts for student-athlete initiatives and facility projects from Sooner Club members include:
• $17 million contributed by 1,256 members toward Women of Championship Excellence and female-specific student-athlete initiatives
• $11 million invested by 232 members toward OU Football
• $7.6 million supporting the Inspiring Champions Fund - made possible by 4,573 members
• $5.7 million from 136 members toward the Baseball Stadium Project
The OU Athletics Department continues to fundraise with the goal of providing a world-class experience for all student-athletes through philanthropic contributions. Pursuing excellence in sport, in the classroom and in life remain at the core of OU Athletics' fundraising vision, and the following student-athlete-focused initiatives are at the forefront of the department's' priorities:
Transformative Student-Athlete Experience – $360 Million Goal
39% of Fundraising Goal Has Been Raised
• Inspiring Champions Fund
• Women of Championship Excellence
• Athletics Director Discretionary Fund
• Scholarships and Championship Resources for Student-Athletes
Building World-Class Facilities – $365 Million Goal
28% of Fundraising Goal Has Been Raised
• Baseball Stadium and Performance Center
• Basketball Team Areas at the Lloyd Noble Center
• Football Facility Projects
• Coe Center and Golf Practice Facility
• Viersen Gymnastics Center
• Love's Field
• Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion at Headington Family Tennis Center
Those interested in giving to OU Athletics and the Lead On campaign should contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or visit SoonerSports.com/LeadOn. To give now, click here.
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