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re: Tennessee Gets 130M Investment From Donor
Posted on 6/4/26 at 11:33 am to VFL67
Posted on 6/4/26 at 11:33 am to VFL67
quote:
Its literally the Haslam Practice field and Neyland Stadium preserved by Pilot. Pretty sure his dad, Big Jim, played for Tennessee and he is without a doubt our largest basketball donor
Edit: Yes his dad played for Neyland on our 1951 Natty team
I didn't say they've given nothing to the athletic side, but yes most of their donations have been to academics. ~20 years ago they gave like 50 million to the college of business (The Haslam College of Business), among other things in the university. They just gave $130 million, all to the academic side. That's just Jimmy and his wife. They have given $195 million in lifetime donations. Given the above, at least $180 of that has gone towards academics. I think that would constitute almost all being towards the academic side.
Naming rights for a stadium aren't as lucrative as you may think. Tennessee didn't disclose the terms with Pilot, but if you want some perspective, Kroger is paying $1.85 million/year to Kentucky for the same naming rights of their stadium.
Yes, they also give money to athletics but it pales in comparison with what they have donated to the academic side of the university. This isn't even supposed to be a hot take or a dig at Tennessee, it's just reality. Try not to be so offended. I actually commend them for donating so much to academics
This post was edited on 6/4/26 at 11:36 am
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Posted on 6/4/26 at 12:10 pm to jangalang
Feels like we are one of the few SEC schools whose biggest athletic donors would still rather contribute to the academic side of things over bankrolling athletics 
If this were little chicken finger boy at LSU, every cent would be going towards paying goons in every sport.
If this were little chicken finger boy at LSU, every cent would be going towards paying goons in every sport.
Posted on 6/4/26 at 12:37 pm to Rrrrroger
Jimmy Haslam’s control/influence over the Tennessee football program’s decision making is a huge part of why they’ve sucked for the better part of two decades.
Posted on 6/4/26 at 12:39 pm to xenythx
quote:
Jimmy Haslam’s control/influence over the Tennessee football program’s decision making is a huge part of why they’ve sucked for the better part of two decades.
Thankfully he’s had no control for half a decade.
Just wish our wealthiest donors would pony up a little for athletics
Posted on 6/4/26 at 12:48 pm to Rrrrroger
quote:
Feels like we are one of the few SEC schools whose biggest athletic donors would still rather contribute to the academic side of things over bankrolling athletics
No, it's not just Tennessee. Most extremely successful businessman and philanthropists may give to athletics for brick and mortar stuff but aren't interested in throwing money at kids who may, or may not stay.
This post was edited on 6/4/26 at 12:56 pm
Posted on 6/4/26 at 3:10 pm to patillac
quote:
Glad the fanbase is finally going to get their long overdue dental work.
2024 Dental Health Report: Discover the Best and Worst States in the USA
#3....
Posted on 6/4/26 at 3:15 pm to jangalang
That could probably buy you a national championship caliber haul next portal cycle assuming your coach doesn’t screw it up. Then what?
Posted on 6/4/26 at 3:17 pm to PeleofAnalytics
That would really offend them, if they could read
Posted on 6/4/26 at 3:42 pm to jangalang
130 Mill can buy a starting QB, Starting DE, OT, and a starting WR now! And here my dumbass goes to work and does make millions...what am I doing. Guess I need to buy some Lotto Tickets.
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