David G. Booth Donates Historic $300 Million to KU Athletics

David G. Booth, a proud alumnus of the University of Kansas and the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, just made a jaw-dropping donation of over $300 million to Kansas Athletics. It’s the largest gift in the university’s history, not to mention one of the biggest ever in college sports.

Booth’s generosity will give a serious boost to the Gateway District and the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Facilities for student-athletes and the community are about to get a major upgrade. Oh, and with Booth’s estimated net worth at $5 billion, it’s clear he has the means for such a massive gesture.

David G. Booth’s Historic Contribution

Booth’s $300 million-plus donation to the University of Kansas is a game-changer. It’s not just a record for KU—it’s among the most significant single gifts in all of college athletics.

Thanks to Booth, the Gateway District and the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium will move into their next chapter. Kansas Athletics is set to stay at the forefront of college sports, and that’s a big deal for everyone involved.

The Vision for the Gateway District

The Gateway District is on the verge of some serious upgrades, all thanks to Booth’s support. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• New Hotel: A modern hotel for visitors and guests.
• Dining Options: More places to eat for students and visitors alike.
• Student Housing: Better housing to give students a comfortable place to live.
• Better Parking: Improved parking for the crowds that big events bring.
• Outdoor Event Plaza: An outdoor space for all sorts of gatherings and events.

These changes will make life better for the university community and create a more enjoyable experience for anyone coming to events at the stadium.

David G. Booth’s Legacy

Booth’s ties to the University of Kansas go way back. He went to Lawrence High School and KU, and he’s always been fiercely loyal to his alma mater.

This latest donation is just another sign of Booth’s deep commitment to KU and its athletic programs.

Previous Contributions

Booth’s history of giving goes back years. In 2004, he gave $9 million to help build the Booth Family Hall of Athletics at KU.

He and his wife Suzanne also made headlines when they bought James Naismith’s original basketball rules for $4.3 million. Booth handed those legendary 13 rules over to KU, which really says a lot about his devotion to the school.

Dimensional Fund Advisors

Booth founded Dimensional Fund Advisors and has left a big mark on the finance world. As of June 30, 2025, the firm managed $853 billion in assets.

His financial success has given him the freedom to support KU and other causes in a big way.

Impact on Kansas Athletics

Travis Goff, who leads KU athletics, has nothing but praise for Booth’s generosity. He says this donation will fast-track new projects in the Gateway District and at the stadium.

Goff also points out that Booth’s leadership has made a real difference for generations of student-athletes. It’s hard to argue with that.

Future Developments

With the rest of Booth’s gift, Kansas Athletics can keep pushing forward and stay creative. The Gateway District is set to become even more vibrant for students, athletes, and visitors.

Challenge to Additional Benefactors

Booth isn’t stopping there—he’s challenging others to pitch in $75 million. This call to action is meant to jumpstart the next phase of development for the Gateway District and the stadium.

Conclusion

David G. Booth just donated over $300 million to Kansas Athletics. That’s not just a big number—it really shows how much he cares about the University of Kansas and its teams.

This kind of gift doesn’t come along every day. It’ll reshape the Gateway District and the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, giving student-athletes and the community some much-needed upgrades.

Want to dig deeper into Booth’s donation? Check out the full article on the Hindustan Times website.