Roy Williams Donates $34 Million to UNC Basketball Program in Unprecedented Act of Generosity
Chapel Hill, NC – Legendary former head coach Roy Williams has once again proven that his heart remains firmly rooted in Chapel Hill. In a historic and deeply personal gesture, Williams has donated a staggering $34 million to the University of North Carolina basketball program, reaffirming his lifelong commitment to the team and university that defined his Hall of Fame coaching career.
The donation—one of the largest ever by a former college coach to their alma mater—will be used to support a wide range of initiatives within the basketball program, including facilities upgrades, player development, scholarships, and mental health and academic resources for student-athletes.
A Lasting Impact Beyond the Sidelines
Though Roy Williams retired from coaching in 2021 after nearly two decades at UNC (and 15 years prior at Kansas), he has remained a steady presence around Tar Heel basketball. This landmark donation, however, marks a new chapter in his legacy—one that speaks to his enduring love for the program and its future.
“I may not be coaching anymore,” Williams said in a statement, “but Carolina Basketball is part of who I am. This program has given me everything—friendships, memories, and a purpose. Now it’s my turn to give back in a way that helps generations of student-athletes.”
A Gift That Honors the Past and Builds the Future
The $34 million gift carries symbolic weight: Roy Williams wore No. 34 during his days as a player at UNC under Dean Smith. It’s also a nod to his belief in tradition, character, and excellence—values that defined his coaching career and that he hopes to pass on through this gift.
UNC Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham called the donation “transformative.”
“This is more than a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in who we are and what we can become,” Cunningham said. “Coach Williams continues to be one of the greatest ambassadors this university has ever known.”
Reactions from the Carolina Family
Former players, coaches, and fans across the country have expressed awe and gratitude for the unprecedented gesture.
“This is why Coach Williams is who he is,” said former UNC star Joel Berry II. “He taught us how to be men, how to give back, and now he’s showing us once again what leadership looks like.”
What the Donation Will Fund
The funds are expected to be allocated to several areas within the program:
- Renovations to the Dean E. Smith Center
- Expanded student-athlete support services, including wellness and nutrition
- Enhancements to the basketball training and analytics infrastructure
- Additional scholarship endowments for walk-ons and support staff education
A Legacy Etched in Stone—and Now in Generosity
Williams already has a statue outside the Smith Center and his name etched in basketball history with three NCAA championships and over 900 career wins. But this donation may be the most powerful symbol yet of his devotion to the Carolina Way.
In an age where college athletics are rapidly evolving, Roy Williams’ gift stands as a beacon of tradition, loyalty, and purpose.
As banners continue to hang from the rafters in Chapel Hill, so too will Williams’ legacy—now carried forward not only through memories of his coaching days but through the opportunities he’s created for those who follow in his footsteps.
“This isn’t goodbye,” Williams said. “It’s just another way of saying thank you.”
