Tom Izzo Becomes NCAA’s Highest-Paid Basketball Coach, Donates Half His Salary to Charity, ESPN Reports
East Lansing, MI – May 4, 2025 — Tom Izzo, the legendary Michigan State University head basketball coach, has made headlines once again—not just for his accomplishments on the court, but for his remarkable generosity off it. According to a new report from ESPN, Izzo has become the highest-paid coach in NCAA men’s basketball, securing a lucrative new deal worth over $10 million annually. In a move that stunned and inspired many, Izzo announced that he would be donating half of his salary—$5 million—to charitable causes aimed at helping underprivileged communities.
The 69-year-old coaching icon, who has led the Spartans to multiple Final Fours and a national championship in 2000, has long been recognized for his leadership, work ethic, and commitment to student-athletes. Now, he’s setting a new benchmark in philanthropy for college sports figures.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed throughout my career, and I believe it’s my duty to give back,” Izzo said in a statement released through Michigan State’s athletic department. “Basketball has given me a platform. It’s time I used that platform not just for winning games, but for changing lives.”
The news broke on ESPN’s morning segment College Gameday, where analysts praised Izzo’s character and called his decision “a defining moment” in college sports. “It’s not just about the paycheck,” said ESPN’s Jay Bilas. “It’s about purpose. Tom Izzo just redefined what success can look like in college athletics.”
Izzo’s donation will be directed to a mix of national and local charities, including youth education programs, food security initiatives in Michigan, and scholarship funds for first-generation college students. One significant portion will go toward building a new community center in Flint, MI—a city that has faced deep economic and infrastructure challenges.
The Michigan State community responded with overwhelming pride. University President Kevin Guskiewicz called Izzo’s decision “a testament to his character and commitment to our values.” Students and alumni took to social media to express admiration and gratitude, many noting that Izzo has long embodied the Spartan spirit of service.
Izzo’s influence extends far beyond East Lansing. Coaches from across the country voiced their support, with Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Kansas’s Bill Self applauding the gesture. “He’s setting an example we should all strive to follow,” said Self.
Izzo’s new contract comes at a time when discussions about the ethics of college athletics salaries, Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) deals, and institutional responsibility are heating up. Critics of the NCAA have long pointed to high coaching salaries as evidence of imbalance in collegiate sports. By donating a substantial portion of his income, Izzo may be shifting that narrative.
With nearly three decades at Michigan State, Izzo’s legacy was already secured. But with this bold act of generosity, he has expanded that legacy from the court to the community. “This isn’t about making headlines,” Izzo said. “It’s about making a difference.”
Whether guiding players to March Madness or lifting up those in need, Tom Izzo continues to prove that true greatness is measured not just by wins—but by the lives you touch along the way.