Beavers Basketball Soars with Transformative $3 Million Gift

Oregon State University's basketball programs have received a significant boost with a $3 million gift from alumnus Joth Ricci. The donation will be split into two $1.5 million endowed funds, providing a steady stream of resources to support the men's and women's teams in perpetuity. This timely investment comes as the Pac-12 conference undergoes a major realignment, positioning the Beavers to compete for top talent and secure their long-term success.

Empowering Oregon State's Basketball Dynasties

Securing the Future of Beavers Basketball

The $3 million gift from Joth Ricci, a former Oregon State student and recent CEO of Dutch Bros Coffee, will have a transformative impact on the university's basketball programs. The donation will be divided into two endowed funds, each worth $1.5 million, ensuring a reliable and perpetual source of funding for both the men's and women's teams.This steady stream of resources will empower the Beavers to compete at the highest level, attracting top-tier recruits and transfers. With the ever-changing landscape of college sports, the ability to offer competitive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) packages will be crucial in securing the best talent. The gift from Ricci will provide the necessary financial backing to elevate the programs and solidify their position as contenders in the Pac-12 and beyond.

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of College Athletics

The timing of this donation could not be more crucial for Oregon State. As the Pac-12 conference undergoes a major realignment, the Beavers find themselves as one of only two remaining teams, along with Washington State. This shift in the college sports landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for the university.Ricci's foresight in making this investment recognizes the need to proactively address the evolving nature of intercollegiate athletics. By providing a stable and reliable source of funding, the Beavers can now focus on building their programs, recruiting top talent, and positioning themselves for long-term success. This strategic move will ensure that Oregon State remains competitive and relevant in the ever-changing world of college sports.

Empowering Student-Athletes to Thrive

The endowed funds created by Ricci's gift will not only benefit the basketball programs but also the student-athletes themselves. The steady and reliable funding will enable the Beavers to offer enhanced resources, facilities, and support services to their players, allowing them to excel both on and off the court."The steady, reliable funding provided by athletic endowments ensure long-term stability and growth, empowering our student-athletes to excel on and off the field, now and for generations to come," said OSU athletic director Scott Barnes.This holistic approach to supporting the student-athletes' development will create an environment where they can focus on their academic and athletic pursuits, ultimately leading to their personal and professional success.

Elevating the Beavers' Basketball Legacy

The women's basketball program at Oregon State has already demonstrated its potential, making a deep run to the Elite Eight in the 2024 season. However, the team faced a significant challenge in the offseason, as many of its top players opted to enter the transfer portal in search of better opportunities.Ricci's gift will be a game-changer for the Beavers, providing the necessary resources to retain and attract elite talent. The endowed funds will allow the women's team to offer competitive NIL packages, ensuring they can keep their core players and continue their upward trajectory.On the men's side, the Beavers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 13-19 season in 2023-24. With the added financial support, the team can now focus on rebuilding and reloading their roster, targeting top recruits and transfers to bolster their lineup. The gift from Ricci will be instrumental in elevating the men's program and positioning them for long-term success.As the Beavers navigate the shifting landscape of college sports, this transformative donation from Joth Ricci will be a game-changer. By providing a stable and reliable source of funding, Oregon State can now invest in their basketball programs, attract and retain top talent, and solidify their position as contenders in the Pac-12 and beyond.