Stanford Football Receives $50 Million Donation,Boosting Program Revival Efforts
Stanford University’s football program has received a landmark $50 million gift from alumnus Bradford M.Freeman, a 1964 graduate and long-time benefactor of the school. This is the largest individual donation in Stanford football history and a significant contribution, typically reserved for major building or facility projects.
The donation arrives at a crucial time for the Cardinal, who are striving to overcome a recent slump, having finished 3-9 in the past four seasons and currently holding a 2-3 record under interim coach Frank Reich.
According to General Manager Andrew Luck, the funds will be instrumental in both immediate on-field success and long-term sustainability. ”With Brad’s amazing gift, we are positioned to win on the field and build a bridge to a enduring future for stanford football,” Luck stated. He emphasized the gift’s impact on player support through scholarships and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, reinforcing Stanford’s appeal to scholar-athletes.
The donation also provides a notable boost to the tenures of Luck,appointed GM in November 2024 with fundraising as a key responsibility,and new Athletic Director John Donahoe,hired in July.
Stanford is actively searching for a permanent head coach, with both the program and Reich agreeing he will only serve in an interim capacity. The substantial gift is expected to enhance the attractiveness of the coaching position, demonstrating the availability of resources and the potential to leverage Stanford’s extensive network.
In recognition of Freeman’s generosity, a tunnel and gate at Stanford Stadium will be named in his honor. He previously endowed the nation’s first head coach position in 1988, known as the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football,and has consistently supported Stanford athletics and the university through various contributions.
Freeman, a former trustee and co-founder of Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm, expressed his gratitude for the impact Stanford had on his life and his hope that the gift will “herald a new era of excellence for Stanford football.”
Luck concluded, “I beleive that Stanford has the possibility to be a leading program in college football, and we are entirely motivated to field championship-caliber teams.”
