Austin, Texas, December 20, 2025
NBA star Kevin Durant is set to launch the Austin Sports Club, an upscale dining and sports bar in downtown Austin, Texas, scheduled to open in spring 2026. The venue, located at 205 East Third Street, aims to blend luxury dining with a vibrant sports culture and marks Durant’s collaboration with notable partners, contributing to the city’s evolving hospitality landscape. The restaurant will cater to modern tastes and is anticipated to enhance Austin’s dining scene.
Austin, Texas
Kevin Durant to Launch Upscale Dining Venue in Downtown Austin
The highly anticipated Austin Sports Club, a new upscale dining and sports bar spearheaded by NBA star Kevin Durant, is set to open in downtown Austin, Texas, in spring 2026. This exciting venture is poised to transform the dining landscape, bringing a unique blend of luxury dining and immersive sports culture to the city.
Located at 205 East Third Street, the former site of J. Prime Steakhouse, Austin Sports Club marks Durant’s first restaurant collaboration with his business partner Rich Kleiman’s Boardroom Hospitality, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, and the locally renowned Lobos Hospitality. This initiative not only showcases Durant’s entrepreneurial spirit but also promotes the ongoing revitalization of Austin’s hospitality sector, emblematic of the city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and culinary excellence.
Background on Kevin Durant’s Austin Connection
Durant’s ties to Austin run deep. His notable season with the Texas Longhorns in 2006-07 laid the foundation for his strong relationship with the city. Averaging 26 points and 11 rebounds per game, Durant’s impact was undeniable, and his philanthropic contributions—most notably a $3 million donation to construct a practice facility at the University of Texas in 2018—further solidify his commitment to the community.
Details of the Austin Sports Club Project
The Austin Sports Club is designed as a sophisticated venue aiming to cater to the tastes of modern athletes and sports enthusiasts. Spanning 4,723 square feet, the restaurant’s design and culinary offerings are the brainchild of Lobos Hospitality, with the goal of creating a dining experience that marries elegance with contemporary sports culture. The construction of the venue is projected to be completed by October 2025, signaling a well-planned execution ahead of its grand opening.
Durant’s Previous Culinary Ventures
Durant’s culinary journey is not without its challenges. His earlier venture, KD’s Southern Cuisine in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown, faced adversity and backlash from fans following his transition from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite experiencing difficulties, Durant’s resilience and passion for the restaurant industry remain strong, as evidenced by his new endeavor in Austin.
Implications for Austin’s Dining Scene
The introduction of Austin Sports Club is set to invigorate Austin’s dining and entertainment landscape. By merging upscale dining with sports culture, it aims to attract a diverse clientele that includes sports fans, executives, and food lovers alike. This collaboration promises to bring fresh energy to the city’s hospitality landscape, enhancing both the dining and communal experience of residents and visitors.
Conclusion
As Kevin Durant prepares to open the Austin Sports Club in spring 2026, it stands as a testament to his enduring ties with the city and his entrepreneurial vision. This upscale dining venue is expected to become a notable part of Austin’s vibrant dining scene, reflecting the spirit of innovation and community engagement that defines the city.
FAQ
What is Austin Sports Club?
Austin Sports Club is an upscale dining and sports bar set to open in downtown Austin, Texas, in spring 2026. The restaurant aims to blend luxury dining with immersive sports culture, offering elevated comfort food with global influences and bold flavors.
Who are the key partners behind Austin Sports Club?
The key partners include NBA star Kevin Durant, his business partner Rich Kleiman’s Boardroom Hospitality, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, and Austin-based Lobos Hospitality, known for establishments like Toasty Badger, Manny’s, and The Powder Room.
Where will Austin Sports Club be located?
The restaurant will be located at 205 East Third Street in downtown Austin, Texas, occupying the former space of J. Prime Steakhouse.
What is the expected opening date for Austin Sports Club?
The restaurant is scheduled to open in spring 2026, with construction projected to be completed by October 2025.
What is Kevin Durant’s connection to Austin?
Kevin Durant played for the University of Texas during the 2006-07 season, averaging 26 points and 11 rebounds per game. He also donated $3 million to the university’s basketball program in 2018 to build a practice facility bearing his name next to the Moody Center.
Has Kevin Durant been involved in other restaurant ventures?
Yes, Durant opened KD’s Southern Cuisine in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown neighborhood in 2013. The restaurant offered a menu featuring catfish tenders, steaks, and shrimp and grits. However, it faced challenges, including backlash from fans following Durant’s departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Key Features of Austin Sports Club
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 205 East Third Street, downtown Austin, Texas |
| Opening Date | Spring 2026 |
| Size | 4,723-square-foot space |
| Concept | Luxury dining combined with immersive sports culture |
| Key Partners | Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman’s Boardroom Hospitality, Joe Gebbia, Lobos Hospitality |
| Menu | Elevated comfort food with global influences and bold flavors (menu in development) |
| Current Open Positions | Bar manager, sous chef, executive sous chef |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
