$500m NBA legend launches Nike-backed NIL partnership ahead of audacious bid for expansion franchise

Mar 14, 2026 - 08:15

Kevin Durant is giving back to his beloved Longhorns.

The NBA icon, who has made a massive $500 million from his legendary career to date, has announced a brand new NIL program that will help University of Texas student-athletes in their own basketball journeys.

Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 2, 2026 — Durant is an NBA icon who is ready to give back to the next generation

Durant played just one season of college hoops before being drafted second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007, but hailed UT for having a ‘huge impact’ on his life and career.

He has since gone on to become a 16-time All-Star who has played for some of the biggest teams in basketball, and won two NBA championships as well as the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

Now, with the help of Nike, he is giving back to a select group of Longhorns students.

Kevin Durant announces Nike-backed NIL deal for University of Texas

Texas forward Madison Booker will become the first athlete to benefit from a ‘comprehensive’ NIL program, and is set to receive early access to KD player exclusives (PEs), apparel and more.

“It means a lot to be a Nike athlete,” Booker said.

“Honestly, it’s a blessing. I think that’s also part of why I came to UT — the opportunities here are amazing.”

Booker is in her third season at Texas, and is projected to be a top-tier 2027 WNBA Draft prospect.

In addition to signing the rising star, Boardroom — the media network co-founded by Durant — will host a sports business summit later this year that will be open to all UT athletes.

The event will help educate the student-athletes on the business space with ‘marquee speakers’ for content and storytelling strategy sessions, financial literacy planning and more.

“Supporting players during their college playing career was always a goal,” KD, who has previously shocked fans with a controversial starting five, said in a statement.

Madison Booker #35 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a turnover by the UCLA Bruins — Booker has been the first Longhorns athlete to link up with Durant

A view of the back of Kevin Durant #35 of the Texas Longhorns during the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the New Mexico State Aggies at Spokane Memorial Arena on March 16, 2007 — KD has credited UT for having a ‘huge impact’ on his life

“I’m thrilled to be able to expand our partnership with UT, bring Boardroom into the mix, and create programming that benefits all UT student-athletes.”

It’s not just the college basketball world that Durant has his eye on, either.

Kevin Durant to launch audacious bid for expansion franchise

According to a report from French newspaper L’Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain and Qatar Sports Investments is ‘positively and actively’ preparing a bid to get an NBA Europe franchise.

Houston Rockets star Durant holds a minority stake in the Ligue 1 soccer club, meaning he could wind up with a vested interest in the startup.

The NBA has long made Paris a priority in its European plan, and last month, ‘the Slim Reaper’ discussed the idea of overseas expansion.

“I wouldn’t say I’m involved in the process,” he said of ongoing plans to launch a new league.

Players battle for possession during the fourth quarter of the NBA Match between Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at Uber Arena on January 15, 2026 — Plans for NBA Europe have been in the pipeline for quite some time

Soccer club PSG are said to be actively exploring a bid for a franchise

AFP

“I’m prepared to talk about it if it presents itself. For now, I haven’t heard too much, just rumors and narratives.

“Once it starts to form, hopefully I can be a part of it, pushing the game all around the world.”

With PSG ‘actively’ preparing a bid, that opportunity could soon present itself.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has recently suggested active players should face no issues when investing in European teams, pending ongoing talks with the NBPA, so Durant presumably would be able to get involved.

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PSG, though, might not be the only entity pursuing an NBA Europe franchise.

EuroLeague club ASVEL — based in Villeurbanne and owned by four-time NBA champion Tony Parker — is also said to be a front-runner for a team.

It’s believed that as many as three could be based in France, and if all goes well, KD could be at the forefront of bringing the NBA to Paris.

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