In a stunning and heartfelt gesture that sent shockwaves through the college sports world, Auburn University has announced that Charles Barkley — NBA Hall of Famer, beloved Auburn alumnus, and TV personality — is donating $50 million to fund a state-of-the-art Auburn Athletics Legacy Center, one of the largest gifts in SEC history.
The facility, which will bear his name, aims to revolutionize the student-athlete experience at Auburn. Plans include academic support labs, mental health and wellness resources, NIL education spaces, interactive exhibits honoring Auburn legends, and community outreach programming.
The official name? “The Charles Barkley Center for Excellence.”
“I owe everything to Auburn,” Barkley said during the emotional announcement event. “This university gave me a chance when I had nothing but a dream. I’ve built a life from that, and now it’s time to give back — not just to the university, but to every young athlete walking through those doors who needs to know someone believes in them.”
Barkley, who starred at Auburn from 1981–1984, is widely considered one of the greatest players in program history. Since his NBA days, he’s remained a loud and proud voice for Auburn, never hesitating to rep the orange and blue on national broadcasts and public appearances. This donation only deepens his legacy as one of the most committed and impactful alumni in college sports.
The announcement, made during Auburn’s annual Tiger Gala, instantly became national news. Fans flooded social media with the hashtag #SirCharlesForever, praising the NBA legend not only for his generosity but also for his vision to uplift future generations of student-athletes.
Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen called it “a transformative moment” for Auburn.
“This isn’t just a building,” Cohen said. “It’s a statement — about commitment, opportunity, and legacy. Charles Barkley has always stood for excellence and authenticity. Now his name will stand at the heart of Auburn Athletics forever.”
The $50 million gift will also help expand Auburn’s NIL infrastructure and equip athletes with the resources to succeed off the field — from branding and marketing education to mental health counseling and financial literacy training.
Construction is set to begin in 2026, with an expected completion date in 2028. The center will be located adjacent to Jordan-Hare Stadium and serve all 21 varsity programs at Auburn.
Students and alumni have already begun campaigning for a statue of Barkley to be placed at the entrance of the facility, calling it “the ultimate symbol of a Tiger giving back.”
For Charles Barkley, this moment isn’t about fame or recognition — it’s about impact.
“This is just the beginning,” he said with a smile. “I may be retired, but I’m not done building something special at Auburn. Let’s go do something great — together.”
