NORMAN — Oklahoma athletics announced Friday that it raised a department-record $241 million in gifts and commitments during the 2026 fiscal year, more than doubling the previous single-year fundraising record of $113 million set a year ago.

The total comes as college athletics adjusts to revenue sharing with athletes and rising scholarship, facility and operating costs. OU said private donations through the Sooner Club now subsidize roughly one-third of the athletic department's annual operating budget.

The record year was fueled by a department-high 23,693 Sooner Club members, including 5,580 first-time members. OU also reported a 35% increase in cash donations to $107.9 million, while the average gift rose from approximately $4,000 in FY25 to $13,000 this past year.

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The department also set a record by raising $37.2 million for the Inspiring Champions Fund, which supports student-athlete scholarships and resources, eclipsing last year's mark of $23.3 million. OU said it also secured a record 38 seven-figure commitments and saw a 67% increase in six-figure gifts.

“This past year’s fundraising success is yet another marker of the tremendous momentum we are seeing throughout Oklahoma athletics,” athletic director Roger Denny said in a statement. “Because of the support of our donors, we’ve not just set a record — we’ve shattered one."

The fundraising surge also helped advance several capital projects across the department, including continued renovations at Kimrey Family Stadium, upgrades to the Jerry J. Ransom Golf Performance Center, improvements at the Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion and renovations inside the Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center.

OU's four largest fundraising years have all come since 2022, with the department reporting totals of $109 million in FY22, $110 million in FY24, $113 million in FY25 and the record-breaking $241 million in FY26.

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Order “BOOM TIMES: The Oklahoma Sooners’ Epic Charge to the 2026 College World Series Title” at Sooners.ChampsBook.com. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU athletics announces record-breaking fundraising year