OU Board of Regents will discuss bonds for Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, an agreement with Opendorse in order to gain access to name, image and likeness software and new athletics personnel compensation at its meeting Tuesday at OU Health Campus in Oklahoma City.
Bonds for OU football stadium
According to the agenda, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. has proposed the board would authorize and approve the issue of $420,000,000 bonds, which will fund various athletics projects including the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium as well as other university developments.
Harroz also recommends the authorization and approval of the "borrowing of funds for the purpose of issuing the above-mentioned bonds or other lawful indebtedness on a taxable or taxexempt basis," providing for bond insurance as needed. The agenda item also proposes the approval and authorization of "the award of the sale of the bonds or other lawful indebtedness on either a competitive or negotiated basis based upon the final determination of the financing team and as determined to be in the best financial interest of the University of Oklahoma."
The board will be considering the bonds toward the football stadium, as the university plans to undertake The Palace Project, which will “strategically” decrease seating on the west side of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium by approximately 7,000. It is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2029.
Access to NIL software
According to the agenda, Harroz recommends the authorization of an agreement with Opendorse Inc. in $2,300,000.00 annually that would be renewable each year through March 31, 2029.
This agreement gives the university access to Opendorse’s integrated name, image and Likeness software platform, including marketplace, deals, monitor, data and similar support services in addition to "athlete optimization and onboarding services for priority student‑athletes." These services are designed to elevate NIL opportunities, help compliance with evolving NCAA regulations and enable revenue generation above the NCAA revenue‑sharing cap that applys to the institution. The agenda states this "is a sole source purchase" and that "no other provider offers the specific combination of NIL sales, marketing, technology and full‑service campaign activation capabilities for NCAA institutions under consideration."
Athletics personnel compensation considerations
According to the agenda, Harroz proposes the regents approve personnel actions shown, including new athletics appointments of Lucas McKay and Mark Taurisani.
McKay and Taurisani appointment considerations are as follows:
McKay, men's basketball general manager: consideration of appointment, compensation and contract of employment and to take any necessary action
Taurisani, deputy athletics director: salary at an annualized rate of $335,000
Athletics changes include:
Joe Castiglione, athletics director, emeritus: review of compensation and contract of employment and to make any necessary adjustments.
Veronique Drouin-Luttrell, women's golf head coach: review of compensation and contract of employment and to make any necessary adjustments
Stacey Ford, scouting director: salary changed from an annualized rate of $190,000 to an annualized rate of $230,000, effective April 18, 2026
Shannon Gage, women's basketball assistant coach: review of compensation and contract of employment and to make any necessary adjustments
Matt Mott, women’s soccer head coach: review of compensation and contract of employment, and to make any necessary adjustments
Jim Nagy, football general manager: review of compensation and contract of employment and to make any necessary adjustments
Michael Neal, women's basketball assistant coach: review of compensation and contract of employment and to make any necessary adjustments.
The agenda also notes men's golf head coach Ryan Hybl's resignation. He joined Georgia Tech after the end of last season.
