University of Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione sent an email to OU fans Tuesday expanding upon the Sooners' revenue-sharing plan and calling for their "unwavering support."
As reported by the The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City, Castiglione confirmed in a December email to fans that OU is "prepared to share the maximum allowable revenues with our athletes," which means approximately $20.5 million in additional costs for the program each year.
"The reality of a new $20.5 million expense that will increase annually requires us to make thoughtful decisions around how we drive new revenue while considering changes to our current investments," Castiglione continued. "Like our peers across the country, we're looking at everything from reallocating existing funds for the purpose of revenue sharing, to evaluating future ticket pricing and premium offerings across all sports."
According to Colton Sulley of The Oklahoman, OU exceeded $200 million in revenue for the first time in the 2024 fiscal year, according to the annual financial report the school filed with the NCAA in mid-January.
"The email comes following increased vitriol of late on social media over the performance of the Sooners' football and men's basketball programs and the atmosphere at the school's athletic events during their inaugural seasons in the SEC," Sulley wrote.
"OU football finished 6-7 for the second time in three seasons. OU men's basketball's ambitions of making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2020-21 season seem unlikely after the Sooners collapsed Saturday against LSU, a game in which they were outscored 8-0 in the final 20 seconds against a team that was 1-10 in SEC play."
“You want to take it as me calling out a fanbase that I love, go ahead," ESPN's Dari Nowkah, an OU alum, said on SEC Network after Saturday's loss, as reported by The Oklahoman. "These guys are walking into an arena that’s half-full, that is dead. It looks dead on television, I don’t believe it’s overly alive in person. You look around this league at basketball arenas, at baseball (stadiums), they’re full. There’s a level of passion there.
“We are not seeing it and we haven’t seen it from the jump this season in Norman, Oklahoma, and that’s disappointing. And I hope it changes."
Castiglione's letter, as presented by The Oklahoman, reads:
Dear Sooner Family,
Each day there are headlines on the change and disruption seen throughout college athletics. At Oklahoma, when we read those headlines, we see opportunity and possibility. Within two months, the likely reality of revenue sharing with student-athletes will be upon us due to the expected approval of the House vs. NCAA class action lawsuit settlement. Oklahoma is planning to share the maximum allowed annual revenue, amounting to $20.5 million beginning July 1, 2025. Never before has it been more important to position our program to compete and succeed, and that's exactly what we plan on doing.
Sustaining our championship excellence and supporting all 21 sports programs to perform at the highest level are core tenets central to our strategy. We're focused on a few key areas that we believe will help us achieve our goals. Please read on to learn more.
Investment in Student-Athletes
We are increasing access to scholarships and creating the opportunity for many student-athletes to have greater financial stability through revenue sharing. This will have a major impact on our ability to compete for the best of the best student-athletes.
Strategic Departmental Investing and Revenue Generation
The reality of a new $20.5 million expense that will increase annually requires us to make thoughtful decisions around how we drive new revenue while considering changes to our current investments. Like our peers across the country, we're looking at everything from reallocating existing funds for the purpose of revenue sharing, to evaluating future ticket pricing and premium offerings across all sports.
The NIL of Tomorrow
There will still be ample opportunities for fans and businesses to directly support our student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness efforts. Traditional, authentic NIL is set to have new parameters come July 1 of this year, and this outside way of providing financial support to our student-athletes will be OU's primary competitive edge when it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent.
All of these efforts require careful consideration, thoughtful planning, and your support.
This is why I call on you, our Sooner family, to help us rise to the challenge. Below are impactful ways you can be involved.
- The Inspiring Champions Fund supports the holistic development of all student-athletes, providing necessary resources to support revenue sharing with student-athletes. Consider giving today!
- 1Oklahoma fuels the authentic NIL necessary for OU's success. Subscribe today and gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content!
- Team up with your favorite OU student-athletes to promote your business and achieve your goals. Sooner Sports Properties can connect you today!
In the spirit of our 130-year tradition of excellence in OU Athletics, we will remain at the forefront of change - seizing new opportunities for the sustainability of our programs. As we remain steadfast in our pursuit of this goal, we are certain that its success is only made possible with your unwavering support. On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, thank you for all you have done and will do to champion OU Athletics.
Boomer!
Joe Castiglione
