Former Gator Legend Joakim Noah Donates $4M to Florida Basketball Team, Says He Still Bleeds Orange and Blue — ESPN Reports Stunning Gesture from 2006-07 NCAA Champion, Sparking Emotional Reactions Across College Basketball Community
Gainesville, FL — May 4, 2025
In a powerful display of loyalty and gratitude, former Florida Gators basketball legend Joakim Noah has donated $4 million to the University of Florida men’s basketball program, ESPN reported Friday. The generous contribution from the 2006-07 NCAA champion sent shockwaves across the college basketball world and sparked emotional reactions from fans, alumni, and current players alike.
The donation — one of the largest ever made by a former Gator athlete — will be used to enhance player development facilities, upgrade training technology, and support mental health and wellness programs within the team. In his statement to ESPN, Noah said, “I still bleed orange and blue. Gainesville is home, and the Gators gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I just wanted to give back in a meaningful way.”
Noah, who played a pivotal role in leading Florida to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2006 and 2007 under legendary coach Billy Donovan, became one of the most recognizable figures in college basketball during his time with the Gators. Known for his passionate play, high-energy defense, and unmistakable charisma, Noah cemented his legacy as a fan favorite and one of the program’s most beloved players.
The emotional core of his announcement came when Noah reflected on his playing days, stating, “If I could lace up my sneakers and take the court just one more time in that jersey, I would. Every day. That team, that era, it meant everything to me.”
Noah’s gesture comes at a time when college athletics is increasingly shaped by financial pressures, NIL deals, and shifting conference dynamics. His $4 million gift serves not only as a financial boost but also a cultural reminder of what the college game has meant to generations of players and fans.
Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden expressed deep gratitude for Noah’s support. “Joakim’s legacy here is immortal, and this donation just shows the depth of his character and commitment to the program,” Golden said. “What he’s giving us is more than money — it’s a message to our current players about pride, tradition, and heart.”
Social media erupted following ESPN’s coverage, with current and former college players across the country praising Noah’s move. Kansas great Frank Mason III tweeted, “That’s real love right there. Respect to Joakim Noah for never forgetting where he came from.” Former Gator teammate Al Horford, now with the Boston Celtics, posted on Instagram, “Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. My brother always leads with his heart.”
The donation will partially fund the construction of the Joakim Noah Performance Center, which will include cutting-edge rehab facilities, a new film room, and an expanded weight room. The project is expected to break ground later this year, with completion targeted for 2026.
Athletic director Scott Stricklin called the gift “transformational,” adding, “This kind of generosity is rare and deeply moving. Joakim represents everything great about being a Gator.”
Noah’s contribution also comes amid growing interest in his post-retirement ventures. Since stepping away from the NBA in 2021, he has focused on philanthropy through his Noah’s Arc Foundation, which promotes peace and youth development in underprivileged communities.
For many, this latest act is yet another chapter in Noah’s story of service and passion. “Joakim always stood out — not just for his game, but for how much he cared,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “This gift is a continuation of that legacy.”
As the Florida basketball program eyes a resurgence on the national stage, Noah’s emotional and impactful donation will undoubtedly serve as a rallying point — reminding all Gators that the spirit of their past champions still pulses through the program.
And for Joakim Noah, the message is clear: while the games may be over, the love never ends.