KU Athletics receives $300 million gift, largest in history

LAWRENCE (KSNT) – KU Athletics has received the largest gift in the program’s history.

On Wednesday, Aug. 13, KU Athletics announced that it has received approximately $300 million from David G. Booth, KU alumnus and founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors. This is the largest gift in KU and Kansas Athletics history, and one of the largest in college athletics overall.

“David’s unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future,” said KU Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor Travis Goff. “It accelerates phase II of the Gateway District and the new ‘Booth’ and inspires others to step up and join in completing this vision. We’re profoundly grateful for David’s leadership and extraordinary impact on generations of student-athletes and fans. There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor.”  

The gift includes a $75 million challenge to donors to support the Gateway District and the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

KU Athletics says the donation will fund:

• A new hotel
• Retail and restaurant spaces
• Student housing
• Improved parking
• An outdoor event plaza

According to the press release, before this donation, Booth had gifted $50 million in 2017 for stadium renovations, $5 million for the Booth Family Hall of Athletics and $4 million for subsequent improvements.

“I feel the same inspiration that I felt as an usher in the stadium in 1960,” Booth said. “I was blown away by all the people in the stands, the Jayhawk spirit. I’m feeling the same way now — I’m ready to celebrate with everyone.”     

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