The University of Kansas on Wednesday announced a $300 million donation from billionaire investor and KU alum David Booth, an amount that represents the largest gift in Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas history, and one that ranks among the largest single gifts in the history of college athletics.
According to the university's announcement, Booth is founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors — a global investment firm that manages $853 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025.
"Booth’s visionary gift includes a $75 million challenge to other donors that launches the next phase of progress on the Gateway District and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium," the announcement states. "The remainder of his commitment will generate a stream of income that will strengthen Kansas Athletics across generations."
Booth said he hopes his philanthropy will inspire others to also support the Gateway District project and what he calls “the prototype for future football stadiums” at whatever level they can.
“One of life’s greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you,” said Booth. “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 personal commitment will propel the Gateway District’s next phase, which adds to private and civic investment for a new hotel, additional retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, improved parking and an outdoor event plaza, according to the announcement.
Booth provided a foundational gift of $50 million in 2017 to kick off renovations at the stadium, which was named for him in 2018, the announcement states. In 2010, he donated James Naismith’s original rules of basketball to the university, a top attraction housed at the DeBruce Center, next to the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, which he and his family provided $5 million for in 2004, followed by $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.”
“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.”
