Oklahoma AD Calls on OU Supporters and Describes the “NIL of Tomorrow” and Revenue Sharing Plan

In the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, the University of Oklahoma (OU) is taking proactive measures to ensure its programs remain competitive and its student-athletes are adequately supported. Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has recently called upon OU supporters to engage more deeply with the university’s initiatives, particularly focusing on the “NIL of Tomorrow” and a forward-thinking revenue-sharing plan.

The Changing Landscape of College Athletics

The collegiate sports environment has undergone significant transformations in recent years, primarily due to the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. These policies allow student-athletes to monetize their personal brands, leading to a paradigm shift in how universities and athletes navigate financial and promotional opportunities.

In January 2025, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2025-01, authorizing postsecondary institutions in the state to facilitate direct NIL payments to student-athletes. This executive order aims to keep Oklahoma’s institutions competitive while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not utilized for these payments. Governor Stitt emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “This action is a critical step to protect Oklahoma’s student-athletes and ensures they have the opportunity to succeed on and off the field.”

The “NIL of Tomorrow” Initiative

Recognizing the need to adapt to these changes, Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has introduced the “NIL of Tomorrow” initiative. This program is designed to create a sustainable and equitable system that benefits both the student-athletes and the university community.

The core components of the “NIL of Tomorrow” initiative include:

1. Education and Support: Providing student-athletes with resources and training to navigate the complexities of NIL opportunities, ensuring they can maximize their potential while maintaining compliance with regulations.

2. Community Engagement: Encouraging local businesses and alumni to participate in NIL partnerships, fostering a sense of community and shared investment in the success of OU athletics.

3. Transparency and Compliance: Establishing clear guidelines and support systems to help student-athletes and partners adhere to NCAA regulations and university policies.

Castiglione emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our goal is to empower our student-athletes with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, both on and off the field. The ‘NIL of Tomorrow’ is about building a future where everyone in the Sooner family thrives together.”

Revenue Sharing: A New Frontier

In addition to the “NIL of Tomorrow,” OU is exploring a revenue-sharing model to further support its student-athletes. This approach aligns with the proposed settlement of the House v. NCAA lawsuit, which allows schools to share athletic department revenues with varsity athletes beginning in 2025. Under this model, NCAA Division I schools can directly compensate athletes, with a tentative annual revenue-sharing cap of $20.5 million per institution.

The revenue-sharing plan aims to distribute a portion of the university’s athletic revenues directly to student-athletes, providing them with financial support that reflects their contributions to the university’s success. This model not only offers monetary benefits but also acknowledges the integral role student-athletes play in the university’s athletic achievements.

Engaging the Sooner Community

To successfully implement these initiatives, Castiglione is calling on the entire Sooner community—alumni, fans, local businesses, and supporters—to actively participate. Engagement can take various forms, including:

• Financial Contributions: Donating to funds established to support NIL opportunities and revenue-sharing pools.

• Business Partnerships: Creating endorsement deals, sponsorships, or employment opportunities for student-athletes.

• Mentorship and Education: Offering expertise and guidance to help student-athletes navigate their professional and personal development.

Castiglione highlighted the collective responsibility of the community, stating, “The success of our programs depends on the unwavering support of the Sooner family. Together, we can build a system that uplifts our student-athletes and sets a standard for excellence.”

Challenges and Considerations

While these initiatives represent significant progress, they also come with challenges that require careful consideration:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all activities align with NCAA regulations, state laws, and university policies to prevent infractions.

• Equity Among Athletes: Balancing opportunities so that all student-athletes, regardless of sport or profile, have access to support and resources.

• Sustainable Funding: Establishing financial models that are viable in the long term without over-reliance on any single source of income.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to the university’s core values.

Looking Ahead

The “NIL of Tomorrow” and the proposed revenue-sharing plan position the University of Oklahoma at the forefront of innovation in collegiate athletics. By proactively adapting to the changing landscape, OU aims to provide its student-athletes with unparalleled support and opportunities.

As these initiatives unfold, the engagement and dedication of the Sooner community will be instrumental in shaping a future where student-athletes can thrive both during their time at the university and beyond.

In this transformative era, the University of Oklahoma stands as a beacon of progress, demonstrating that with unity, vision, and action, the challenges of today can become the triumphs of tomorrow.

Oklahoma AD Calls on OU Supporters and Describes the “NIL of Tomorrow” and Revenue Sharing Plan

In the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, the University of Oklahoma (OU) is taking proactive measures to ensure its programs remain competitive and its student-athletes are adequately supported. Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has recently called upon OU supporters to engage more deeply with the university’s initiatives, particularly focusing on the “NIL of Tomorrow” and a forward-thinking revenue-sharing plan.

The Changing Landscape of College Athletics

The collegiate sports environment has undergone significant transformations in recent years, primarily due to the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. These policies allow student-athletes to monetize their personal brands, leading to a paradigm shift in how universities and athletes navigate financial and promotional opportunities.

In January 2025, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2025-01, authorizing postsecondary institutions in the state to facilitate direct NIL payments to student-athletes. This executive order aims to keep Oklahoma’s institutions competitive while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not utilized for these payments. Governor Stitt emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “This action is a critical step to protect Oklahoma’s student-athletes and ensures they have the opportunity to succeed on and off the field.”

The “NIL of Tomorrow” Initiative

Recognizing the need to adapt to these changes, Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has introduced the “NIL of Tomorrow” initiative. This program is designed to create a sustainable and equitable system that benefits both the student-athletes and the university community.

The core components of the “NIL of Tomorrow” initiative include:

1. Education and Support: Providing student-athletes with resources and training to navigate the complexities of NIL opportunities, ensuring they can maximize their potential while maintaining compliance with regulations.
2. Community Engagement: Encouraging local businesses and alumni to participate in NIL partnerships, fostering a sense of community and shared investment in the success of OU athletics.
3. Transparency and Compliance: Establishing clear guidelines and support systems to help student-athletes and partners adhere to NCAA regulations and university policies.

Castiglione emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our goal is to empower our student-athletes with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, both on and off the field. The ‘NIL of Tomorrow’ is about building a future where everyone in the Sooner family thrives together.”

Revenue Sharing: A New Frontier

In addition to the “NIL of Tomorrow,” OU is exploring a revenue-sharing model to further support its student-athletes. This approach aligns with the proposed settlement of the House v. NCAA lawsuit, which allows schools to share athletic department revenues with varsity athletes beginning in 2025. Under this model, NCAA Division I schools can directly compensate athletes, with a tentative annual revenue-sharing cap of $20.5 million per institution.

The revenue-sharing plan aims to distribute a portion of the university’s athletic revenues directly to student-athletes, providing them with financial support that reflects their contributions to the university’s success. This model not only offers monetary benefits but also acknowledges the integral role student-athletes play in the university’s athletic achievements.

Engaging the Sooner Community

To successfully implement these initiatives, Castiglione is calling on the entire Sooner community—alumni, fans, local businesses, and supporters—to actively participate. Engagement can take various forms, including:

• Financial Contributions: Donating to funds established to support NIL opportunities and revenue-sharing pools.
• Business Partnerships: Creating endorsement deals, sponsorships, or employment opportunities for student-athletes.
• Mentorship and Education: Offering expertise and guidance to help student-athletes navigate their professional and personal development.

Castiglione highlighted the collective responsibility of the community, stating, “The success of our programs depends on the unwavering support of the Sooner family. Together, we can build a system that uplifts our student-athletes and sets a standard for excellence.”

Challenges and Considerations

While these initiatives represent significant progress, they also come with challenges that require careful consideration:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all activities align with NCAA regulations, state laws, and university policies to prevent infractions.
• Equity Among Athletes: Balancing opportunities so that all student-athletes, regardless of sport or profile, have access to support and resources.
• Sustainable Funding: Establishing financial models that are viable in the long term without over-reliance on any single source of income.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to the university’s core values.

Looking Ahead

The “NIL of Tomorrow” and the proposed revenue-sharing plan position the University of Oklahoma at the forefront of innovation in collegiate athletics. By proactively adapting to the changing landscape, OU aims to provide its student-athletes with unparalleled support and opportunities.

As these initiatives unfold, the engagement and dedication of the Sooner community will be instrumental in shaping a future where student-athletes can thrive both during their time at the university and beyond.

In this transformative era, the University of Oklahoma stands as a beacon of progress, demonstrating that with unity, vision, and action, the challenges of today can become the triumphs of tomorrow.