The Oklahoma Sooners have received their largest-ever donation for athletics in school history.
Brian and Kim Kimrey from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, have made history with the largest donation ever to Sooner Sports, according to an announcement by Sooner Sports. Their generous contribution totals $20 million, with $10 million designated for the University of Oklahoma football program and another $10 million for baseball.
This remarkable donation increases the Kimrey Family’s total contributions to Sooner athletics to $25.1 million, including a previous $5 million donation to the baseball team in 2022.
The $10 million allocated to Oklahoma Sooners football will support future enhancements at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, as outlined in a press release accompanying the historic donation.
Joe Castiglione, OU Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed deep gratitude for the Kimreys’ steadfast support and faith in OU Athletics. He emphasized their belief in investing in people and programs, which has been instrumental in sustaining success across the department.
Castiglione underscored the significance of the donation for OU Baseball and potential football facility projects, highlighting the Kimreys’ spirit of generosity and its profound impact on student-athletes and staff.
This marks the largest single donation in Sooners Athletics history and the fifth time an eight-figure contribution has been pledged to Oklahoma Athletics.
Brian Kimrey, the donor of the $20 million, praised OU’s coaches and referenced the competitive environment of the SEC, underscoring the family’s commitment to the success of student-athletes and the bright future ahead.
To put the donation in perspective, Coastal Carolina raised $21 million from all boosters over a cumulative span from 2005 to 2022, while the University of Buffalo raised $17 million during the same period. Oklahoma’s total athletics booster contributions amounted to $597 million over 17 years, slightly less than Oklahoma State University’s $670 million.
Regarding baseball, the $10 million will enhance facilities and the fan experience at the stadium, aiming to attract top talent to Norman.
The timing of this substantial donation couldn’t be better, with the college football season just around the corner.
