ESPN Latest Report: Patrick Mahomes Donates $10 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Texas Tech Athletes
NFL superstar invests in Red Raiders’ future, creating one of the largest athlete support funds in the Big 12
In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the landscape of college athletics, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes has donated a staggering $10 million to launch a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund for Texas Tech University athletes. The fund, announced in ESPN’s latest report, is one of the largest of its kind within the Big 12 Conference and represents a bold commitment by Mahomes to invest in the future of his alma mater’s student-athletes.
Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, played quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2014 to 2016 before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his deep ties to Lubbock and his continued support of the university, Mahomes said the donation was a way to give back to the program that shaped his journey to the NFL.
“Texas Tech is home for me,” Mahomes stated in a release. “This fund is about giving student-athletes the opportunity to succeed, not just on the field but in life. I want to help create a pathway where athletes can benefit from their hard work and dedication.”
The new NIL initiative, dubbed the Mahomes Fund, will be managed in partnership with the Matador Club, a nonprofit collective that supports Texas Tech athletes through NIL opportunities. The fund will provide resources, financial backing, and marketing support to help student-athletes navigate the evolving NIL era.
Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt praised Mahomes’ donation as “a game-changer” for the university’s athletic department. “Patrick has always been a Red Raider at heart,” Hocutt said. “This donation sets a new standard and gives us a powerful tool to attract and retain top talent across all sports.”
The Mahomes Fund is expected to immediately enhance Texas Tech’s recruiting efforts, as NIL opportunities have become a key factor in where high school and transfer athletes choose to play. While many schools have struggled to keep up with the demands of the NIL landscape, Mahomes’ contribution gives Texas Tech a significant competitive advantage.
Experts believe the move could inspire other former college athletes, particularly those in the professional ranks, to follow suit and invest in their alma maters’ NIL programs.
“This is more than just a donation,” said ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum. “It’s a statement about leadership, loyalty, and the future of college sports.”