University of Virginia alumnus Alexis Ohanian has committed to a multi-year, transformational gift to the UVA women’s basketball program. 

Ohanian, the Virginia Athletics Foundation and Virginia Athletics on Thursday announced the donation, the largest in the Cavalier women’s basketball program history and the second-largest to women’s athletics in UVA history. Its intention is to elevate recruiting and player retention efforts while addressing the financial and competitive demands of this new era of college athletics. 

Ohanian, a 2005 McIntire School of Commerce graduate and the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, has long been a dedicated philanthropist and a champion of investing in women’s athletics.

“Alexis’ commitment to women’s sports is unparalleled,” Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams said. “He sees the value and he is willing to invest. His support will help attract championship talent to the University of Virginia and specifically, to UVA women’s basketball. I am extremely grateful for his foresight and commitment to the future of women’s athletics at the University of Virginia.” 

Ohanian’s financial contribution will build on UVA’s history of achievement in women’s sports that includes 11 NCAA team national championships, 57 individual NCAA national championships and 19 Olympic gold medals. 

Ohanian, best known as the co-founder and former executive chair of the social media site Reddit, is also the founder of venture capital firm Seven Seven Six.