Billionaire Larry Ellison Plays Key Role in Michigan Football’s NIL Recruitment of Bryce Underwood

Larry Ellison, the co-founder and former CEO of Oracle Corporation, has made headlines recently for his significant involvement in college football. Ellison, who is currently ranked as the second-richest person on Forbes‘ real-time billionaires list, has contributed substantially to the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal of star quarterback Bryce Underwood.

Underwood, considered the No. 1 prospect, was successfully recruited by the University of Michigan, thanks in part to Ellison’s financial support. The billionaire’s donation was crucial in securing Underwood’s commitment to the Wolverines, with the total NIL deal valued at $12 million.

Ellison’s contribution highlights the growing influence of private funding in college athletics, particularly through NIL deals. This trend has transformed the recruitment landscape, allowing top prospects to receive substantial financial incentives for their commitment to specific programs.

Larry Ellison, along with Bob Miner and Ed Oates, founded Oracle in 1977 with an initial investment of just $2,000, of which Ellison contributed $1,200. Oracle has since become a global software giant, and Ellison’s success has enabled him to make significant impacts in various fields beyond technology.