ESPN REPORT: Brent Venables, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, has inked a historic $5 million endorsement agreement with Powerade. In an incredible act of kindness, he has given $1 million to the program and thousands to orphanages, cementing his reputation on and off the field. Continue reading
ESPN REPORT: Brent Venables, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, has inked a historic $5 million endorsement agreement with Powerade. In an incredible act of kindness, he has given $1 million to the program and thousands to orphanages, cementing his reputation on and off the field. Continue reading….
NORMAN, OK – May 4, 2025 — Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has made headlines across the sports world after signing a historic \$5 million endorsement deal with sports beverage giant Powerade. While the financial size of the agreement is impressive, what truly sets Venables apart is what he chose to do with a significant portion of the money.
In a move that reflects his deep-rooted values and commitment to both the University of Oklahoma and the broader community, Venables has **donated \$1 million** of his endorsement earnings back to the **Oklahoma football program**. The contribution will go toward improving athletic facilities, funding mental health and academic support initiatives, and expanding resources for players’ personal development.
In addition to the donation to the Sooners, he has **quietly distributed thousands of dollars to orphanages and youth outreach programs** across Oklahoma and his home state of Kansas. These donations aim to support children in need, improve living conditions in underfunded care centers, and provide educational resources for vulnerable youth.
Brent Venables has long been known for his fiery coaching style, tactical brilliance, and commitment to building a winning culture. However, it’s his compassion and unwavering sense of responsibility that continue to define his legacy.
Football gave me a platform, Venables said during a press conference on Saturday. It’s my duty to use that platform to help others — especially kids who don’t have the advantages that so many of us take for granted.
His endorsement deal with Powerade — one of the most lucrative for a college football coach in recent memory — marks a shift in how brands are partnering not only with athletes but also with influential coaches whose values resonate with the public.
Powerade praised Venables as a natural fit for the brand. In an official release, the company wrote:
Coach Venables represents energy, authenticity, and leadership — all of which are central to our mission. This partnership goes beyond the field. It’s about inspiring the next generation through example.
University officials expressed deep gratitude for Venables’ generous donation. Athletic Director Joe Castiglione noted, Coach Venables doesn’t just talk about leadership — he lives it. His gift will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes for years to come.
Venables’ decision comes at a time when Oklahoma is transitioning into a new era of competitiveness in the expanded SEC landscape. His commitment, both in terms of leadership and financial support, is viewed as a powerful statement of stability and long-term vision.
As college football continues to evolve, Brent Venables is setting a new standard not only as a strategist on the sidelines but as a servant-leader off the field. In an industry often driven by money and ambition, Venables is proving that character, heart, and community are just as valuable as trophies.
With a historic endorsement deal and a legacy of giving, Venables is rewriting what it means to lead a championship-caliber program.
