Patrick Mahomes Donates $10 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Virginia Tech Athletes” NFL superstar invests in tech hokies future, creating one of the largest athlete support funds in the Big 12.

Patrick Mahomes Donates $10 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Virginia Tech Athletes

In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the landscape of college athletics, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes has donated $10 million to launch a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund dedicated to supporting athletes at Virginia Tech. The fund, named the Hokie Impact Collective, is set to become one of the largest athlete support initiatives within the Big 12 Conference, emphasizing Mahomes’ deepening commitment to empowering young athletes both on and off the field.

Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and two-time NFL MVP, announced the donation during a joint press conference with Virginia Tech officials. Though not an alumnus of the university—he played college football at Texas Tech—Mahomes expressed his admiration for the school’s athletic culture, academic integrity, and community support.

“I’ve always believed in giving athletes the tools to succeed beyond the game,” Mahomes said. “This fund is about providing real opportunities for student-athletes to grow their brands, support themselves financially, and prepare for life after college.”

The Hokie Impact Collective will focus on helping student-athletes monetize their personal brands through strategic partnerships, marketing guidance, and business education. Funds will be distributed across various sports, with an emphasis on equity, ensuring both high-profile and lesser-known athletes benefit from the initiative.

Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock praised Mahomes’ contribution, calling it a “game-changing gift.” He noted that the fund will help the university stay competitive in the evolving world of college athletics, where NIL opportunities have become a key factor in recruitment and retention.

“This is about more than just sports,” Babcock said. “It’s about student success, empowerment, and long-term impact. Patrick’s generosity will resonate through generations of Hokies.”

The NIL landscape has rapidly transformed since the NCAA permitted athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness in 2021. While some programs have struggled to adapt, others have embraced the change, creating collectives and funds to help student-athletes navigate this new frontier. Mahomes’ donation positions Virginia Tech among the most proactive programs in this space.

Beyond financial backing, Mahomes will also serve as an advisor to the fund, occasionally mentoring athletes and connecting them with industry leaders. His involvement is expected to attract additional private investments and partnerships, potentially expanding the reach and resources of the Hokie Impact Collective.

The response from Virginia Tech athletes and the broader Hokie community has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with gratitude and excitement, with several athletes calling the initiative “inspirational” and “a dream come true.”

For Mahomes, the donation is part of his growing legacy off the field. Through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, he has supported various youth and education programs. This latest contribution underscores his belief that athletes can be both competitors and changemakers.

As the NIL era continues to evolve, Mahomes’ $10 million gift to Virginia Tech stands as a bold statement—one that champions opportunity, equality, and the future of college athletics.