Quick Read
- David Booth, a Kansas alumnus, donated $300 million to the University of Kansas, marking its largest gift ever.
- The donation will fund stadium renovations, the Gateway District, and long-term athletic program support.
- Booth previously contributed $50 million in 2017 and donated James Naismith’s basketball rules to the university.
- The Gateway District includes a hotel, retail spaces, student housing, and an outdoor plaza.
- The Jayhawks will open their 2025 football season at the newly renovated stadium on August 23.
The University of Kansas has received a transformative $300 million donation from alumnus David Booth, marking the largest gift in the university’s history and one of the most significant in the realm of college athletics. Announced on August 13, 2025, this extraordinary contribution will fund the next phase of renovations for the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the surrounding Gateway District, while also providing sustainable support for the university’s athletic programs.
A Historic Gift and Its Purpose
David Booth, a Lawrence, Kansas native and founder of the global investment firm Dimensional Fund Advisors, made headlines with this unparalleled donation. Of the $300 million, $75 million is earmarked for the second phase of the Gateway District project, which includes extensive renovations to the stadium’s south and east sides, as well as the development of a mixed-use area featuring a hotel, retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, improved parking, and an outdoor event plaza. The remaining funds will establish a financial stream to support Kansas Athletics for generations.
Travis Goff, the university’s athletic director, expressed profound gratitude for Booth’s generosity, stating, “David’s unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future. 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.”
The Vision Behind the Gateway District
The Gateway District is envisioned as a cornerstone of community and campus development, aiming to create a vibrant, multi-use environment that benefits both the university and the city of Lawrence. Phase 2 of the project, with a projected cost of $346 million, is supported not only by Booth’s contribution but also by a public funding package approved by city officials, which includes up to $94.6 million in tax incentives. The total cost of the Gateway Project, including the first phase, is estimated at $794 million.
Booth’s donation accelerates the realization of this ambitious project, which had already seen significant progress. The first phase of renovations modernized much of the century-old stadium and added a conference center. The second phase will complete the stadium renovations and further integrate the surrounding mixed-use district into the campus and community.
David Booth: A Legacy of Giving
This is not the first time David Booth has significantly contributed to the University of Kansas. In 2017, he pledged $50 million to renovate the football stadium, which was subsequently renamed in his honor. His philanthropic legacy also includes the $4.3 million purchase and donation of James Naismith’s original rules of basketball to the university, a nod to the deep historical ties between Kansas and the sport’s origins.
Reflecting on his philanthropy, Booth stated, “One of life’s greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you. 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.”
Impact on Kansas Athletics
The donation comes at a pivotal time for Kansas Athletics. The Jayhawks football team, which endured a challenging 5-7 season in 2024, is set to open its 2025 season at the newly renovated stadium on August 23 against Fresno State. The state-of-the-art facilities, made possible by Booth’s generosity, are expected to enhance the experience for athletes and fans alike, while also positioning the university as a leader in collegiate athletics.
Moreover, the long-term financial support generated by Booth’s gift will provide Kansas Athletics with the flexibility to adapt to evolving NCAA regulations and revenue-sharing models, ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of its programs.
*David Booth’s $300 million gift is more than just a donation; it is an investment in the future of the University of Kansas and its community. By transforming the campus, enhancing athletic facilities, and inspiring others to contribute, Booth’s generosity sets a new standard for philanthropy in higher education and sports.*