**Breaking News: Kentucky Rising Star Otega Oweh Donates $250,000 to Kentucky Wildcats Women’s Basketball Program in Honor of His Family**
LEXINGTON, KY — In a generous and groundbreaking move, rising star Otega Oweh, a standout player for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team, has made a monumental $250,000 donation to the Kentucky Wildcats Women’s Basketball Program. The donation, made in honor of Oweh’s family, is expected to help the program enhance its resources, facilities, and overall support for female athletes at the university.
Oweh, a sophomore forward who has gained national attention for his athletic prowess on the court, surprised fans, coaches, and the entire athletics department with this unprecedented act of kindness. The donation is one of the largest individual gifts ever received by the women’s basketball program in the school’s history.
“I’m truly blessed and grateful to have the platform to support my family and my team in this way,” Oweh said in a statement. “Growing up, my family always emphasized the importance of giving back to others. I’m proud to continue that legacy by supporting the incredible women who play for the Kentucky Wildcats. They work just as hard, if not harder, to achieve greatness. This is for them.”
Oweh’s decision to donate to the women’s program is deeply personal, as he cites his mother and sisters as key influences in his life. “I have been surrounded by strong, inspiring women all my life,” Oweh continued. “They’ve shaped me into who I am today, and I want to make sure that they, and all the women who follow their passion for basketball, have the resources they need to succeed.”
The gift will directly impact the women’s basketball team in several important ways. The money will be allocated to improvements in training facilities, scholarships, travel accommodations, and enhanced recruitment efforts to attract top-tier talent to the program.
Head Coach Kyra Elzy expressed her gratitude for the generous donation. “Otega’s gift is a game-changer for our program,” she said. “His support not only helps us provide better opportunities for our student-athletes but also sends a powerful message about the importance of equity and inclusion in college sports. We’re incredibly proud of Otega and thankful for his contribution to our success.”
Elzy, who has built the Wildcats into one of the most competitive teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), emphasized how the donation could elevate the program even further. “This donation helps us continue to build a culture of excellence. We can offer our players more — better facilities, more travel opportunities, and expanded support for their academic and athletic journeys. It’s a game-changer.”
Oweh’s donation is part of a broader movement within the NCAA, where athletes have increasingly advocated for equality and greater recognition for women’s sports. His gesture comes at a time when women’s athletics are gaining more visibility, and calls for greater resources and support continue to grow.
Oweh’s commitment to giving back was inspired by his family’s values, but it also demonstrates the growing influence of student-athletes in shaping the landscape of collegiate sports. Many believe that donations like Oweh’s will inspire other male athletes across the country to follow suit and contribute to programs that have often been historically underfunded compared to their male counterparts.
The Wildcats women’s basketball team, currently ranked among the top teams in the SEC, will undoubtedly benefit from this gift, which promises to enhance the program’s resources for years to come. As the Kentucky women’s program continues to build on its legacy, Oweh’s donation will serve as a symbol of progress and unity across the athletics department.
With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the Wildcats women’s basketball team is now poised to enter the new season stronger and more prepared than ever before.