David Booth gives KU a record $300 million gift
The University of Kansas announced a monumental $300 million gift from alumnus David G. Booth. The contribution represents the largest donation in both KU and Kansas Athletics history and stands as one of the most significant single gifts ever made to a collegiate athletic program.
Booth, a Lawrence native and founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, has long been a major supporter of the university. His latest pledge includes a $75 million donation to motivate other donors and kickstart the next phase of the Gateway District and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
The remaining portion of his commitment will provide longtime funding to enhance KU Athletics years down the road.
“David’s unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future,” said KU Athletic Director 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.”
Booth’s gift will kick start developments in the Gateway District, including new student housing, a hotel, expanded retail and dining options, a large outdoor plaza, and more accessible parking. Beyond physical infrastructure, his support provides KU Athletics with flexibility in navigating an evolving NCAA landscape, including future revenue-sharing opportunities.
“David has always believed in the power of athletics to unite communities, generate Jayhawk spirit and create lasting bonds between alumni, students and fans,” KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod said. “His generosity is inspiring, and his loyalty to KU runs deep. We are beyond grateful for his transformative gift.”
For Booth, giving back is personal.
“One of life’s greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you,” he said. “KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me. Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time. Each gift compounds, creating opportunities not just for today, but for years to come. This is really about the future we’re building.”
Booth’s support for KU stretches back a long time, including his 2010 donation of James Naismith’s original rules of basketball, now housed in the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.
“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,” Booth said.
