Oklahoma Athletic Department Lays Off 5% Staff Over Athlete Revenue Sharing

The University of Oklahoma is implementing layoffs within its athletic department in response to the introduction of revenue sharing with student-athletes, a new mandate following the House v. NCAA lawsuit settlement. Athletic director Joe Castiglione announced a 'limited reduction in force,' cutting approximately 5% of the department's 302 full-time, non-student employees, equating to around 15 positions, to reallocate funds for the $20.5 million in annual revenue sharing starting July 1. Castiglione emphasized the need to restructure and streamline staff functions to support all sports while adjusting his own compensation amid these changes. These layoffs follow prior cost-cutting measures and occur as universities prepare to compete with the new financial obligations of compensating athletes directly for the first time. Despite the staff reductions, Castiglione reaffirmed the department's commitment to serving student-athletes and representing the university with integrity. This shift marks a significant adjustment in college athletics as universities adapt to the evolving landscape of athlete compensation.