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1Oklahoma raises $2 million for NIL: Brent Venables urges fans to contribute

headshotby:George Stoia•11/07/24•

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Brent Venables35
OU HC Brent Venables. (Bryan Terry - The Oklahoman/USA TODAY Network).

1Oklahoma has reached its $2 million matching gift challenge that was presented by an anonymous donor in August.

Since 1Oklahoma’s inception in June, this is the largest public funding campaign it’s put together and achieved. And with is being achieved, the anonymous donor has presented an additional $1 million matching gift challenge. A press release states, “Every contribution made to 1Oklahoma will be met dollar for dollar up to $1 million if the stretch goal is attained by Dec. 31, 2024.”

With NIL playing a major role in college athletics today, putting together these campaigns is pivotal for OU and 1Oklahoma.

“College sports are at a pivotal point, and together we can embrace the changes to help ensure OU continues to be a leader,” 1Oklahoma CEO Jeff Weber said in a statement. “Support for 1Oklahoma allows us to do just that, building a sustainable foundation for success. We are thrilled to have met the challenge and are even more excited to keep the momentum going with the additional $1 million match.”

If OU wants to compete at a high level, especially in major sports like football, continuing the momentum that 1Oklahoma started in June will be crucial. The transfer portal in football officially opens Dec. 9. And the Sooners will need all the NIL money they can get their hands on.

“Name, image, and likeness (NIL) is critical to the future success of college athletics,” OU football coach Brent Venables said in a statement. “It gives our student-athletes the opportunity to benefit from their hard work, dedication and the platform they’ve earned. At Oklahoma, we’re committed to providing the best environment for our athletes to thrive both on and off the field. That’s why we’ve partnered with 1Oklahoma – to ensure our athletes are supported the right way. I encourage all of our fans to get behind this movement and contribute to our official NIL partner at 1Oklahoma.com. Your support makes a real difference in helping us build champions, both today and for years to come.”

For information regarding 1Oklahoma and how you can contribute to OU’s NIL initiative, visit 1Oklahoma.com.

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