BREAKING: Al Horford Shocks Sports World with Historic $78M Donation to Florida Gators Basketball—Largest in Program’s History, Set to Revolutionize Facilities, Recruiting, and Legacy Forever
Gainesville, FL — May 26, 2025
In a stunning and unprecedented act of generosity, NBA veteran and former Florida Gators star Al Horford has donated $78 million to the University of Florida’s men’s basketball program—the largest single donation in the program’s history and one of the most significant gifts ever made to a collegiate athletic team.
Horford, a five-time NBA All-Star and two-time NCAA champion with the Gators, announced the groundbreaking donation early Monday morning. The contribution is expected to completely transform the basketball program’s facilities, recruiting capabilities, and long-term legacy, marking a historic moment in college sports philanthropy.
“This is about giving back to the place that shaped me—not just as a player, but as a person,” Horford said in a statement. “Florida gave me everything. It’s time to help the next generation reach even greater heights.”
The $78 million gift will be allocated toward a series of bold initiatives:
Construction of a State-of-the-Art Basketball Complex: Plans include a cutting-edge practice facility, advanced sports medicine and recovery centers, and enhanced training and nutrition infrastructure.
Major Renovations to Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center: Upgrades will include expanded locker rooms, new fan amenities, and immersive media technology designed to attract top-tier recruits and elevate fan experience.
Creation of the Horford Legacy Fund: A new endowment aimed at supporting academic development, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) education, and long-term player wellness.
Florida head coach Todd Golden called the donation “game-changing.”
“This gift doesn’t just raise the bar—it launches us into an entirely new era,” Golden said. “With Al’s leadership, we now have the ability to recruit at the highest level, train in the best facilities, and honor the tradition that he helped build.”
University President Ben Sasse also praised Horford’s commitment to student-athletes, calling the donation a “monumental investment in the future of Gator Nation.”
Horford, who played at Florida from 2004 to 2007, remains one of the most beloved figures in program history. He was instrumental in delivering back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007, part of Billy Donovan’s legendary squad.
This landmark donation places Horford alongside the likes of Phil Knight and T. Boone Pickens in terms of transformative athletic giving. More than just money, it’s a message: Florida basketball is ready to rise again—and Al Horford is leading the charge.