ESPN LATEST REPORT: Patrick Mahomes Donates $10 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Texas Tech Athletes
Mahomes Invests in Red Raiders’ Future, Creating One of the Largest Athlete Support Funds in Big 12 History
NFL superstar and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has donated a staggering $10 million to establish a new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund for Texas Tech athletes. The donation, confirmed by ESPN, marks one of the largest individual contributions toward athlete support in the Big 12 and reaffirms Mahomes’ deep-rooted loyalty to his alma mater.
Mahomes, a Texas Tech legend and one of the NFL’s most decorated young quarterbacks, said the fund is designed to “empower the next generation of Red Raiders both on and off the field.” The initiative will provide financial support to student-athletes across all sports at Texas Tech, allowing them to capitalize on their NIL opportunities while receiving guidance, mentorship, and resources to manage their personal brands.
“This is about giving back to the school that gave me everything,” Mahomes said in a statement. “Texas Tech helped shape who I am—not just as an athlete, but as a person. I want to ensure that today’s athletes have the tools and support to thrive in this new era of college sports.”
According to school officials, the Mahomes NIL Fund will be administered through a newly created partnership between the university’s athletic department and local business sponsors. It will provide NIL education, brand-building workshops, and deal facilitation for athletes, ensuring compliance with NCAA and state regulations. A portion of the fund will also be reserved for walk-ons and underrepresented programs, signaling Mahomes’ desire for inclusivity and broad impact.
Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt praised the donation, calling it “transformative” for the university’s athletic programs. “Patrick has always been a Red Raider through and through. His generosity is unprecedented, and his commitment to our athletes will position Texas Tech as a leader in the NIL landscape,” Hocutt said.
This move comes as college sports continue to navigate the evolving NIL environment, with athletes now able to profit from endorsements, merchandise, appearances, and more. Mahomes’ donation not only boosts Texas Tech’s recruiting edge but also sets a precedent for how professional athletes can directly invest in collegiate athletics, signaling a powerful shift in how schools may approach athlete support moving forward.
