University of Kansas Athletics Lands Record-Breaking $300 Million Gift from Alum David Booth
The University of Kansas athletics program has received a historic $300 million donation from billionaire alumnus David Booth, marking the largest single gift in the school’s history and one of the most significant contributions ever in college sports.
A graduate of both Lawrence High School and KU, Booth is already well-known on campus, with the football stadium bearing his name. This latest donation is set to transform Kansas athletics for decades to come.
Approximately $75 million of the gift will be directed toward the next phase of renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, as well as development of the surrounding Gateway District. The remainder is expected to create a long-term income stream for the athletic department, ensuring financial stability for future generations.
“There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor,” said Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff.
The Gateway District expansion will include a new hotel, retail and dining spaces, student housing, upgraded parking, and an outdoor event plaza, further enhancing the stadium experience and campus community.
Booth, founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors—which manages over $850 billion in assets—has a long history of supporting KU. In 2017, he made a $50 million pledge to aid in stadium renovations, the largest in KU history at that time. He has also donated $4.3 million to acquire James Naismith’s original basketball rules and has made several other philanthropic contributions to the university.
“KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me,” Booth said. “Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time.”
Kansas football played six games last season in the Kansas City area while Memorial Stadium underwent renovations. The Jayhawks will return to their upgraded home on August 23, facing Fresno State in their first game back.