Just a few months before the 2026 NFL season kicks off, the Cleveland Browns' ownership duo is making waves off the field. Dee and Jimmy Haslam announced a massive $130 million donation to the University of Tennessee, signaling a major commitment to education and workforce development in the Volunteer State.
The donation, unveiled Thursday, allocates $100 million directly to the Haslam College of Business, with the remaining $30 million earmarked for research, innovation, and discovery initiatives. The Haslams, who also own the Browns, framed the gift as an investment in Tennessee's future leaders and economic pipeline.
“We are honored to make this investment in UT and the Haslam College of Business,” the couple said in a press release. “The university is experiencing extraordinary momentum, and we are proud to help elevate its national reputation, attract world-class faculty and support the next generation of leaders — all while keeping the best and brightest here in Tennessee.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee thanked the Haslam family for their generosity, noting the gift's potential to transform opportunities for students across the state. “This landmark gift from Dee and Jimmy Haslam demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring the next generation of Tennesseans has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Lee said. “By expanding opportunity for talented students, supporting world-class faculty and strengthening Tennessee’s workforce pipeline, this investment will help ensure that the Volunteer State remains a place where innovation, opportunity and service thrive.”
The university emphasized that the $100 million for the business school will enhance student success and faculty recruitment, while the $30 million for research aims to drive groundbreaking discoveries. “This investment in students and faculty will benefit UT and the entire state of Tennessee by helping to ensure that students taught by the best faculty are joining the state’s workforce,” the university stated.
With this latest contribution, the Haslams have now donated over $195 million to the University of Tennessee, underscoring their deep ties to the region. The gift comes amid a busy offseason for the Browns, who are navigating a heated quarterback battle and other roster moves. Meanwhile, the Haslams' philanthropic focus remains on building long-term value—this time, not in the NFL, but in the classroom.
The donation also reflects a broader trend of sports figures investing in higher education. For the Haslams, it’s about more than just a tax write-off; it’s about creating a legacy that extends beyond the gridiron. As they continue to shape the Browns' future, their commitment to Tennessee’s academic and economic growth stands as a powerful example of how sports ownership can drive community impact.
