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Texas' Madison Booker Debuts Kevin Durant's New KD19 Colorway

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Published: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 12:25 am

Texas Star Debuts Kevin Durant's New KD19 Shoe

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant and Nike unveiled the design of Durant's 19th signature shoe, the KD19, on Monday. The debut coincided with the NCAA Tournament, where Durant's former university, Texas, played its first game.

Texas, a top-seeded team, secured a decisive victory over Missouri State. However, the game held special significance as Longhorns junior forward Madison Booker showcased the "Orange Crush" colorway of the KD19. Booker is the first athlete to wear exclusive KD player editions and apparel through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Nike, Kevin Durant, and the University of Texas.

The partnership extends beyond footwear, including a new annual sports business summit with Boardroom, Durant's media venture with Rich Kleiman. The summit will focus on storytelling, strategy, and financial literacy for student-athletes.

Booker's performance in the game included 14 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal. She wears the number 35, mirroring Durant's jersey number during his time with the Longhorns and in the NBA with several teams.

The KD19 is scheduled for exclusive release on the SNKRS app on June 13, followed by a global release on June 17. Nike's VP, Creative Director, Nike Basketball, Ross Klein, described the shoe as embodying Durant's on-court prowess, designed for responsiveness and comfort.

BNN's Perspective: This collaboration highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics and the increasing influence of NIL deals. It's encouraging to see athletes like Madison Booker benefiting from these opportunities while also promoting financial literacy. This partnership between Durant, Nike, and the University of Texas could serve as a model for future collaborations, fostering both athletic achievement and financial empowerment for student-athletes.

Keywords: Kevin Durant, KD19, Nike, Madison Booker, Texas Longhorns, NCAA Tournament, NIL deal, Orange Crush, basketball, shoes, sports business, student-athletes, footwear, release date

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