Breaking: Otega Oweh Donates $500,000 to Kentucky Women’s Basketball After After Signing Mega Sponsorship Deal With US Tech Giants Qualcomm
In a groundbreaking gesture of solidarity and leadership, University of Kentucky basketball star Otega Oweh has donated $500,000 to the Kentucky Women’s Basketball program, drawing from his landmark $2.7 million sponsorship deal with U.S. tech giant Qualcomm. The announcement was made just days after Oweh officially withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft, opting to return to Lexington for another season with the Wildcats.
This historic donation marks one of the largest athlete-to-athlete gifts in college sports history and arrives at a time when gender equity in college athletics continues to be a topic of national discussion.
“The women’s team inspires me every time they hit the floor,” Oweh said at a Saturday press conference at Memorial Coliseum. “This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about respect, equity, and investing in the people who grind just as hard for the name on their jersey.”
From Draft Boards to Giving Back
Oweh’s decision to withdraw from the draft shocked analysts and fans alike. After a breakout sophomore year where he averaged 17.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, he was projected to land in the late first round. But according to sources close to Oweh, the decision to return was deeply personal.
“I realized I had more to accomplish—not just on the court, but off it,” Oweh said. “This is where I belong right now.”
His return solidifies Kentucky’s roster for the 2025–26 season and raises expectations for another deep NCAA tournament run. But it’s the generosity of his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) success that’s grabbing national attention.
The Qualcomm Connection
Oweh’s donation is part of a wider initiative connected to his NIL agreement with Qualcomm, a leading innovator in 5G, mobile technology, and AI solutions. The $2.7 million deal positions Oweh as the face of Qualcomm’s new “Level Up” campaign, which promotes digital equity, tech access, and STEM education across underserved communities.
As part of the deal, Oweh will appear in national campaigns, host youth innovation clinics, and lead a student-athlete mentorship program bridging sports and science.
A Qualcomm spokesperson said the company fully supports Oweh’s philanthropic choice:
“Otega’s gift to the Kentucky Women’s Basketball team speaks to his leadership and his belief in shared progress. We are proud to partner with an athlete who lives his values and uplifts others along the way.”
Empowering Women’s Sports
The Kentucky Women’s Basketball team, coached by Kyra Elzy, has been a rising force in the SEC. In recent years, they’ve developed a reputation for grit, teamwork, and academic excellence. But like many women’s programs nationwide, they’ve often operated with fewer resources compared to their male counterparts.
Oweh’s donation, earmarked specifically for player development, sports science, and facilities enhancement, is expected to have an immediate impact.
“This is more than a donation—it’s a message,” said Coach Elzy. “Otega has shown our players and fans what true allyship looks like. He’s not just an incredible athlete—he’s an incredible human being.”
Several players from the women’s team were present at the announcement, visibly emotional as Oweh embraced each of them following the press event.
Junior guard Trinity Foster called the gift “a game-changer.”
“To see one of the biggest stars on campus stand up for us like this—it gives us so much pride. We feel seen. We feel valued.”
Praise from Across the Nation
Reactions to Oweh’s announcement poured in across social media and sports networks. ESPN’s Jay Bilas called it “a bold and needed move,” while former WNBA legend Sue Bird tweeted:
“Otega Oweh is doing what leaders do—lifting others as he climbs. More of this, please.”
The NCAA also issued a statement applauding the action, citing it as an example of “the power of NIL to advance equity and student-led innovation.”
Even Kentucky Governor Elsie Baird weighed in:
“Today, we saw what real leadership looks like—not from a boardroom, but from a college athlete who understands the value of lifting others.”
What’s Next for Oweh?
With his return to Lexington, Oweh is now among the early favorites for National Player of the Year honors. His leadership both on and off the court has cemented him as not only one of the most marketable figures in college basketball, but one of the most respected.
Asked about future plans, Oweh said he’s focused solely on the season ahead—and continuing to find ways to use his platform for impact.
“This isn’t the end of the giving,” he said. “It’s just the beginning.”
The Kentucky Athletic Department confirmed that Oweh’s contribution will be commemorated with a new locker room plaque in the women’s basketball wing, reading simply:
“Lift Others As You Rise – Otega Oweh”
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