Texas star Madison Booker becomes the first Longhorn athlete to receive Kevin Durant NIL footwear and apparel as Nike and UT launch a groundbreaking athlete program.
The connection between Kevin Durant and Texas basketball just leveled up in a big way, and Madison Booker is the first Longhorn athlete cashing in on the opportunity.
The University of Texas announced a groundbreaking NIL collaboration involving Durant, Nike, and his media company, Boardroom, that will support Longhorn student-athletes across multiple sports.
The initiative begins with Booker, the standout Texas women’s basketball star who will now receive exclusive Kevin Durant player-edition shoes, apparel and Nike gear as part of the program.
For Booker, the partnership isn’t just another endorsement; it’s personal.
“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.”
Durant’s connection to Texas runs deep. The Houston Rockets forward and former Longhorn legend dominated during his lone season in Austin in 2007, becoming the first freshman ever to win the Naismith National Player of the Year Award.
Now, nearly two decades later, Durant says helping the next generation of Texas athletes was always part of the plan.
“My time at UT had a huge impact on not only my basketball career, but on me personally,” Durant said.
“Supporting players during their college playing career was always a goal, and 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.”
Booker is the perfect launch athlete for the initiative.
The 6-1 junior forward from Ridgeland, Mississippi, has quickly become one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball.
Booker averages over 17 points, nearly six rebounds and almost four assists per game during her Texas career and has already built a stacked resume.
She’s a two-time All-American, a two-time Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year winner, and was named SEC Player of the Year in 2024-25 after previously earning Big 12 Freshman and Player of the Year honors in 2023-24.
She also captured SEC Tournament MVP in 2026.
Texas head coach Vic Schaefer says the Durant partnership makes perfect sense.
“Nike (and KD) couldn't have a better person representing them than Madison Booker,” Schaefer said. “Madison has always said she's modeled her game after KD, and the hard work she's put into her craft truly shows.”
The partnership extends beyond shoes and jerseys.
Texas, Nike, and Boardroom will also launch an annual sports business summit to educate Longhorn athletes on branding, financial planning, and storytelling in the NIL era.
Chris Del Conte, Texas Vice President and Athletic Director, sees the initiative as just the beginning.
“We are forever grateful for Kevin and so appreciative of this collaboration with Nike,” Del Conte said.
“Kevin's support and loyalty to The University of Texas - especially through its Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation and our athletics program - have been truly special. He's an incredible representative of Texas and an outstanding ambassador for the Longhorns. This partnership is the beginning of big things, and Madison is a great one to start with. Like Kevin, she is the epitome of the pride and winning tradition of The University of Texas.”
Nike also views the partnership as a major step in empowering the next generation of athletes.
“At Nike, we are passionate about listening to the voice of the athlete – including where and how they want their legacy to live on,” said Karie Conner, VP/GM Nike Global Basketball.
“We are proud to enter a new, first-of-its-kind partnership with KD and are eager to keep supporting how he and Nike can champion the next generation of hoopers – continuing with The University of Texas and Madison Booker.”
And Booker may only be the beginning.
More Texas athletes could soon be stepping into KD’s signature gear as this NIL partnership expands across Longhorn athletics.