UPDATE: Nine Million Reasons to Celebrate: Jarrett Culver’s Massive $9.5 Million Gift to Texas Tech Athletics Sparks a New Era
LUBBOCK, TX — In a move that’s reverberating across the college sports world, former Texas Tech basketball star Jarrett Culver has made an astonishing $9.5 million donation to his alma mater’s athletic department, a gesture being hailed as one of the most impactful acts of alumni giving in NCAA history. The former Red Raider, now a seasoned professional, returned to Lubbock this week to announce the contribution during a rousing press conference at the United Supermarkets Arena.
“I owe so much of who I am to this place,” Culver said, his voice thick with emotion. “Texas Tech shaped me—not just as a player, but as a man. This is my way of giving back and ensuring that future athletes have even more opportunities than I did.”
The contribution, part bonus from a recent endorsement deal and part personal pledge, will be used to create the Culver Legacy Initiative, a sweeping athletic advancement program aimed at supporting student-athlete wellness, facility upgrades, and scholarship expansion across multiple sports—not just basketball.
Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt called the gift “transformational,” noting that it arrives at a crucial moment for the university as it pushes for national competitiveness across all sports. “Jarrett’s generosity is unmatched. This is more than a donation—it’s a signal to recruits, alumni, and our community that we’re building something sustainable and elite.”
While the lion’s share of the funds will go toward the renovation of the men’s and women’s basketball training facilities—soon to be renamed the Culver Performance Complex—a significant portion will also bolster mental health resources and academic support services for all Red Raider athletes.
Culver’s journey from local Lubbock standout to Texas Tech legend is well documented. In 2019, he led the Red Raiders to their first-ever NCAA Championship game appearance, etching his name in school history. Drafted sixth overall in the NBA, his pro career has seen both highs and hardships, including injuries and trades—but he never lost sight of home.
“I’ve always said that Lubbock isn’t just a place, it’s a heartbeat,” Culver told the crowd of alumni, coaches, and current athletes. “This gift is for every kid who dreams of wearing scarlet and black.”
The university is planning a commemorative ceremony during the 2025 basketball season to honor Culver’s contribution, complete with a new mural inside the arena and a documentary chronicling his Red Raider legacy.
In a time where NIL deals and transfer portals dominate headlines, Culver’s act of loyalty, vision, and gratitude offers a rare reminder of college sports’ deeper meaning. With nine and a half million reasons to celebrate, Texas Tech isn’t just investing in wins—it’s investing in people.
