Budget & Tax

OSSAA generates millions annually

August 19, 2025

Curtis Shelton

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) is the governing body for high school sports and other school competitions in Oklahoma. Most schools are members and pay a fee to be a part of OSSAA. Think of it as the high school equivalent of the NCAA.

The most recent tax year, 2024, shows that the OSSAA collected $9.7 million in revenue, with net income of $1.3 million. Fully 83 percent of that revenue came from public school dues and fees. Since 2021, OSSAA has generated more than $4.4 million in net income. OSSAA’s executive director, David Jackson, is paid $241,764 annually. He was hired in 2016 at a starting salary and compensation package of $144,000. OSSAA has a 15 member board of directors made up of superintendents and principals. Pay for serving board board members ranged from $0 to $1,650.

In much the same way as the NCAA, the OSSAA has at times found itself at odds with students and schools over what feel like arbitrary and heavy-handed punishments. For example, a recent decision by OSSAA has barred four high-school boys from playing basketball. After a series of lawsuits by parents and students against the OSSAA, state lawmakers have begun to look at dismantling the association.