Kevin Durant and UT Partner on New NIL Program

Women's basketball star Madison Booker is first to benefit from the initiative.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A new name, image, and likeness (NIL) program backed by NBA superstar Kevin Durant is launching at the University of Texas, providing opportunities for Longhorn athletes. Texas women's basketball player Madison Booker, a two-time conference player of the year and 4-time gold medalist, is the first to be part of the new deal.

Why it matters

The NIL program reflects Durant's continued impact and ties to the University of Texas, where he played basketball for one season before being drafted 2nd overall in the NBA. It provides financial and branding opportunities for UT student-athletes, helping them capitalize on their name, image, and likeness.

The details

The new NIL initiative will 'celebrate a select group of Longhorn student-athletes in their continue basketball journeys.' In addition, an annual sports business summit open to all UT student-athletes and sports business students will also come out of this partnership, with the first summit set to take place later this year.

  • Kevin Durant played basketball at the University of Texas during the 2006-2007 season.
  • The new NIL program is launching in 2026.

The players

Kevin Durant

An NBA superstar who played basketball at the University of Texas for one season in 2006-2007 before being drafted 2nd overall in the NBA.

Madison Booker

A junior forward on the Texas women's basketball team, who is a two-time conference player of the year and 4-time gold medalist.

University of Texas

A public research university located in Austin, Texas, where Kevin Durant played basketball for one season before going pro.

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What they’re saying

“My time at UT had a huge impact on not only my basketball career, but on me personally. Supporting players during their college playing career was always a goal, and I'm thrilled to be able to expand our partnership with UT.”

— Kevin Durant (University of Texas)

“It means a lot to be a Nike athlete. Honestly, it's a blessing. I think that's also part of why I came to UT – the opportunities here are amazing.”

— Madison Booker, Texas women's basketball player (University of Texas)

What’s next

The first annual sports business summit open to all Longhorn student-athletes and sports business students is set to take place later this year.

The takeaway

This new NIL program backed by NBA star Kevin Durant provides valuable financial and branding opportunities for University of Texas student-athletes, reflecting Durant's continued impact and ties to the school where he launched his basketball career.