ESPN LATEST REPORT: Patrick Mahomes Donates $10 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Texas Tech Athletes
NFL superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes has announced a $10 million donation to create a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund for Texas Tech University athletes. The donation is aimed at providing sustained financial opportunities for Red Raiders athletes across all sports, placing Texas Tech at the forefront of collegiate athlete empowerment in the Big 12 Conference. Mahomes, a proud alumnus of Texas Tech, described the initiative as “a way to give back to the school and community that shaped who I am.”
The fund, officially named the “Mahomes Legacy NIL Fund,” will offer structured compensation, branding support, and mentorship opportunities for athletes. It is one of the largest NIL investments by a former college athlete and is expected to significantly elevate Texas Tech’s recruiting potential and athlete retention. According to university officials, the fund will be managed in collaboration with the athletic department and a newly formed advisory board to ensure compliance and equitable distribution among programs.
Mahomes, who played quarterback for Texas Tech from 2014 to 2016 before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, has long expressed admiration for his alma mater. “Texas Tech gave me my platform. It’s only right that I help create platforms for the next generation of student-athletes,” Mahomes said during a press conference announcing the initiative. He emphasized that the donation isn’t just about money—it’s about mentorship, opportunity, and long-term impact.
University President Dr. Lawrence Schovanec praised Mahomes for his enduring commitment to the Red Raider community, calling the donation “historic and visionary.” Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt echoed those sentiments, adding, “This fund will not only change the lives of our current athletes but also send a powerful message to recruits nationwide that Texas Tech supports its own at the highest level.” Plans are already underway to begin disbursing NIL opportunities to select athletes starting this fall.
The Mahomes NIL Fund is expected to serve as a blueprint for other universities looking to integrate alumni support into the NIL ecosystem. With rising concerns about the sustainability and fairness of NIL deals nationwide, Mahomes’ approach—rooted in long-term equity, education, and institutional oversight—is being hailed as a model for balancing athlete needs and NCAA guidelines.
This latest philanthropic effort adds to Mahomes’ growing reputation off the field as a community leader and visionary. Already known for his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth and education initiatives, Mahomes continues to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete. As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, Mahomes’ leadership may very well influence a broader shift in how former college stars give back to the programs that launched their careers.
