With Oklahoma electing to leave the Big 12 Conference for the SEC ahead of the 2024 season, it goes without saying that a large pool of athletic-related funds would be necessary to make it through the transition period.
On Tuesday, OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione announced a massive breakthrough regarding donations made to the athletic department.
Castiglione announced that Oklahoma posted a new school record of $110.3 million in total athletics donations from July 1st, 2023, to June 30th, 2024.
“The record support we enjoyed this past year from our alumni and friends was nothing short of astounding,” Castiglione said. “Year after year, their generosity amazes me, and our efforts are continually sustained by their investment and belief in our mission.”
“It’s a very exciting time as we transition to the SEC, but we’re also living through, easily, the most disruptive and critical moment in college athletics,” Castiglione continued. “We’re beyond fortunate to have supporters who know what it takes to provide a premier experience for our student-athletes and fans and who continue to step up and ensure we have what we need to do just that.”
The Sooners, alongside the Texas Longhorns, made the decision to leave the Big 12 behind and join the SEC, which started the initial wave of conference realignment. While Oklahoma piled up some impressive accolades during their time in the Heartland, the SEC presents new opponents and some new challenges.
Castiglione finished his thoughts by saying, “We simply cannot exhaust our gratitude for the role our donors play in creating magical moments for all of Sooner Nation.”
Oklahoma kicks off its first season of SEC Football on Friday, August 30th, vs. Temple.
