University of Oklahoma Athletics
OU Athletics Shatters Single-Year Fundraising Record
July 17, 2026 | Baseball, Football, Athletics, Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Men's Gymnastics, Men's Tennis, Track and Field, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Gymnastics, Rowing, Soccer, Women's Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling
The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department announced Friday a record-breaking fiscal year, securing $241 million in gifts and commitments during FY26 (July 1-June 30). The total marks the largest fundraising year in department history, more than doubling the previous record established last year.
OU Athletics' four largest fundraising years have all come within the past five years, highlighting the department's sustained philanthropic momentum. In addition to FY26's record total, donors contributed $113 million in FY25, $110 million in FY24 and $109 million in FY22.
Private philanthropy through the Sooner Club remains essential to the continued success of OU Athletics. At a time of profound change across college athletics, including the recent implementation of revenue sharing and the increase of scholarship, facility-improvement and overall operating costs, support from Sooner Club members is more important than ever. The Sooner Club helps subsidize approximately one-third of the department's annual operating budget, helping ensure OU's varsity sports programs continue to compete and excel at the highest level.
Fueled by the generosity of a record 23,693 members, Sooner Club support produced several significant milestones during FY26, including:
OU Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Advancement Matt Schaeperkoetter, who last month was named College Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors, also expressed appreciation for the gracious giving of so many donors.
"Our record-setting year is first and foremost a reflection of the incredible generosity and belief of our Sooner Club members," said Schaeperkoetter. "Every gift represents an investment in our student-athletes and in Oklahoma Athletics, and we are deeply grateful for the trust our donors continue to place in us. Their commitment is creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact for generations of Sooners. As college athletics continues to evolve, we couldn't be more excited about the future we're building together. With our Sooner Club members, we will continue to work to provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to compete for championships and excel in the classroom and in life."
Donor support also accelerated transformational facility projects across multiple sports in the past year.
The naming of Kimrey Family Stadium was approved and Project 1 enhancements were completed, including updates to the outfield wall, batter's eye, bullpens, exterior fence and spectator areas beyond the outfield wall. Project 2 is set to begin with construction in fall 2026 and continue through 2027, featuring significant expansion and improvements to team facilities, seating bowl upgrades and fan enhancements, including new concessions, restrooms and a dedicated fan plaza.
Enhancements to the Jerry J. Ransom Golf Performance Center through the renovations to the Ransom House and the construction of the new Brody Family Performance Facility have been completed. These state-of-the-art upgrades bring significant, positive impact to both the men's and women's golf programs. Advancements include modernized team suites, updated locker rooms, new players' lounges, improved laundry facilities and offices, as well as the addition of six new hitting bays, a simulator and a dedicated putting lab and studio.
Renovations at the Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion at Headington Family Tennis Center expanded the men's and women's team suites, including refined locker rooms and team lounges, while also introducing a hydrotherapy facility. Additional improvements include upgraded indoor and outdoor court lighting and expanded seating to elevate the fan experience.
The Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center unveiled its latest transformation, featuring a striking championship wall in the entryway along with state-of-the-art recovery and team spaces and modernized locker rooms, purposefully designed to support development and enhance the overall student-athlete experience.
The OU Athletics Department fundraises to provide a world-class experience for all student-athletes through philanthropic contributions. Pursuing excellence in sport, in the classroom and in life remains at the core of OU Athletics' fundraising vision.
Those interested in giving to OU Athletics and the Lead On campaign should contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or visit thesoonerclub.com/leadon. To give now, click here.
OU Athletics' four largest fundraising years have all come within the past five years, highlighting the department's sustained philanthropic momentum. In addition to FY26's record total, donors contributed $113 million in FY25, $110 million in FY24 and $109 million in FY22.
Private philanthropy through the Sooner Club remains essential to the continued success of OU Athletics. At a time of profound change across college athletics, including the recent implementation of revenue sharing and the increase of scholarship, facility-improvement and overall operating costs, support from Sooner Club members is more important than ever. The Sooner Club helps subsidize approximately one-third of the department's annual operating budget, helping ensure OU's varsity sports programs continue to compete and excel at the highest level.
Fueled by the generosity of a record 23,693 members, Sooner Club support produced several significant milestones during FY26, including:
- The addition of a single-year record 5,580 new Sooner Club members;
- An increase in the average gift amount from approximately $4,000 in FY25 to $13,000 in FY26;
- A record $37.2 million raised for the Inspiring Champions Fund, surpassing the previous record of $23.3 million established in FY25. The fund supports the academic, athletic and personal development of OU student-athletes by providing critical resources that help them succeed in competition, the classroom and beyond;
- A fifth consecutive year that voluntary giving exceeded required seat donations, as 50% of Sooner Club members made such philanthropic gifts;
- A 35% year-over-year increase in cash donations received, totaling $107.9M;
- A 67% increase in six-figure commitments and a record 38 seven-figure commitments;
- Sixty-nine new members in The 1895 Trust, a membership society recognizing those who have made philanthropic commitments aimed at enhancing the student-athlete experience.
OU Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Advancement Matt Schaeperkoetter, who last month was named College Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors, also expressed appreciation for the gracious giving of so many donors.
"Our record-setting year is first and foremost a reflection of the incredible generosity and belief of our Sooner Club members," said Schaeperkoetter. "Every gift represents an investment in our student-athletes and in Oklahoma Athletics, and we are deeply grateful for the trust our donors continue to place in us. Their commitment is creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact for generations of Sooners. As college athletics continues to evolve, we couldn't be more excited about the future we're building together. With our Sooner Club members, we will continue to work to provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to compete for championships and excel in the classroom and in life."
Donor support also accelerated transformational facility projects across multiple sports in the past year.
The naming of Kimrey Family Stadium was approved and Project 1 enhancements were completed, including updates to the outfield wall, batter's eye, bullpens, exterior fence and spectator areas beyond the outfield wall. Project 2 is set to begin with construction in fall 2026 and continue through 2027, featuring significant expansion and improvements to team facilities, seating bowl upgrades and fan enhancements, including new concessions, restrooms and a dedicated fan plaza.
Enhancements to the Jerry J. Ransom Golf Performance Center through the renovations to the Ransom House and the construction of the new Brody Family Performance Facility have been completed. These state-of-the-art upgrades bring significant, positive impact to both the men's and women's golf programs. Advancements include modernized team suites, updated locker rooms, new players' lounges, improved laundry facilities and offices, as well as the addition of six new hitting bays, a simulator and a dedicated putting lab and studio.
Renovations at the Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion at Headington Family Tennis Center expanded the men's and women's team suites, including refined locker rooms and team lounges, while also introducing a hydrotherapy facility. Additional improvements include upgraded indoor and outdoor court lighting and expanded seating to elevate the fan experience.
The Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center unveiled its latest transformation, featuring a striking championship wall in the entryway along with state-of-the-art recovery and team spaces and modernized locker rooms, purposefully designed to support development and enhance the overall student-athlete experience.
The OU Athletics Department fundraises to provide a world-class experience for all student-athletes through philanthropic contributions. Pursuing excellence in sport, in the classroom and in life remains at the core of OU Athletics' fundraising vision.
Those interested in giving to OU Athletics and the Lead On campaign should contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or visit thesoonerclub.com/leadon. To give now, click here.
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