The University of Texas has teamed up with former Longhorns star Kevin Durant and Nike for a new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program. It’s designed to spotlight select UT basketball players and, honestly, it’s about time these athletes get a little extra shine.
Madison Booker, a standout on the Texas women’s basketball team, is the first athlete to benefit. She’ll get access to Durant’s exclusive apparel, and there’s even a sports business summit planned for 2026.
This summit aims to enrich the experience for both student-athletes and sports business students at Texas. It’s a pretty big deal if you ask me—mixing sports, business, and a bit of star power.
Madison Booker: A Rising Star
Madison Booker is a junior, but she’s already making waves. Originally from Chicago, she’s been key in helping the Longhorns snag their first SEC Tournament title, and it’s only their second year in the conference.
Her recent 18-point game clinched a win against South Carolina. The night before, she dropped a career-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a semifinal win over Ole Miss.
Why Madison Booker Chose Texas
Booker’s gratitude for her opportunities at UT comes through loud and clear. She called being a Nike athlete a blessing, which, let’s be honest, sounds like a dream for most college players.
She’s said the potential for these kinds of opportunities played a big part in her decision to come to Texas. Booker also looks up to Kevin Durant, modeling her game after him—especially that midrange jumper.
She even wears Durant’s No. 35, a number retired by Texas in 2009 on the men’s side. Durant has praised Booker, hinting that maybe her number could be retired on the women’s side someday. Wouldn’t that be something?
Kevin Durant’s Impact and Vision
Durant’s connection to Texas is still strong, even though he played there way back in 2006-07. Now, he’s helping launch this new NIL program, which feels like a full-circle moment.
He’s always wanted to support players during their college years, and this initiative finally lets him do that in a big way. With his company Boardroom and Nike, Durant’s bringing exclusive apparel and more to UT basketball players.
The Sports Business Summit
There’s a lot of buzz around the sports business summit set for 2026. UT, Nike, and Durant’s Boardroom are all teaming up for it.
The event aims to benefit not just student-athletes but also sports business students. It’s a clear sign Durant cares about helping the next generation of athletes and sports professionals.
Future Signings and Expansions
There are hints that more signings are coming, not just in basketball but other sports at Texas too. The program looks set to offer resources and support to a whole range of athletes.
It could really change the game for student-athletes, both on and off the court. That’s the kind of thing you like to see.
Durant’s Legacy at Texas
Durant’s time at Texas shaped his basketball journey and who he is today. By expanding his partnership with UT, he’s giving back to a place that meant a lot to him.
This initiative helps current athletes and strengthens the bond between Longhorns past and present. There’s something special about seeing alumni pay it forward.
Conclusion
The University of Texas just rolled out a new NIL program with help from Kevin Durant and Nike. That’s a pretty big deal for college sports, if you ask me.
Madison Booker is the first athlete to get in on this. It looks like UT basketball players are about to see some new doors open.
There’s even talk of a sports business summit in 2026. That’s supposed to give student-athletes and sports business students more ways to get involved and learn.
People are already buzzing about who might sign next. This program could really shake things up for the UT sports community.
Want to dig deeper? Check out the full article on the Statesman.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
