There is now a tangible disadvantage to JMI

[AGUNITED4_rivals397978]

Something like the Amazon/Duke deal would never happen while the JMI relationship exists.

While I don’t think its the reason for the recruiting whiffs, if Amazon came to UK with a similar offer, they would have to work within the constraints of the JMI contract and give JMI a percentage. Amazon would never do that in a million years.

So now there is an example of other schools creating revenue sources that would be boxed out by JMI. Thanks MB

 

[philstat]

Something like the Amazon/Duke deal would never happen while the JMI relationship exists.

While I don’t think its the reason for the recruiting whiffs, if Amazon came to UK with a similar offer, they would have to work within the constraints of the JMI contract and give JMI a percentage. Amazon would never do that in a million years.

So now there is an example of other schools creating revenue sources that would be boxed out by JMI. Thanks MB

How UK could sign a 20-year contract with JMI is astounding, why not do a three year to see how things go initially.

 

[ftp000]

Something like the Amazon/Duke deal would never happen while the JMI relationship exists.

While I don’t think its the reason for the recruiting whiffs, if Amazon came to UK with a similar offer, they would have to work within the constraints of the JMI contract and give JMI a percentage. Amazon would never do that in a million years.

So now there is an example of other schools creating revenue sources that would be boxed out by JMI. Thanks MB

Wouldn't the school be responsible for JMI's cut?

 

[The Nightman2]

How UK could sign a 20-year contract with JMI is astounding, why not do a three year to see how things go initially.

Jmi has handled our licensing since 2014. Aloy of colleges do this lol

 

[preacherfan]

Jmi has handled our licensing since 2014. Aloy of colleges do this lol

Found this online:

• The Issue: Unlike most schools, Kentucky's deal with JMI Sports—which controls NIL operations through 2040—requires athletes to sign away certain NIL rights, according to a December 2025 KSR report. This creates a "highly structured" agreement that critics and sources say is unique in its restrictiveness, making it difficult to compete with other schools offering more freedom.
• Specific Examples: Reports suggest that the restrictions forced by the JMI contract have led to players pulling back from verbal commitments. In late 2025, five-star prospect Christian Collins was highlighted as a player who was a "lock" but did not sign, with reports citing issues with the JMI contract language.

 

[AGUNITED4_rivals397978]

Wouldn't the school be responsible for JMI's cut?

Yes, correct. Amazon would be paying the same amount, but UK would receive less money because of JMIs cut.

And technically JMI would have to land Amazon as a partner…so my points are UK would get less money, and Amazon would never go through a third party like JMI.

 

[ftp000]

Yes, correct. Amazon would be paying the same amount, but UK would receive less money because of JMIs cut.

And technically JMI would have to land Amazon as a partner…so my points are UK would get less money, and Amazon would never go through a third party like JMI.

I'm not arguing, just trying to understand. Why would Amazon care about UK's cut, or who they're negotiating with? Wouldn't they just care about viewership?

 

[AGUNITED4_rivals397978]

Found this online:

• The Issue: Unlike most schools, Kentucky's deal with JMI Sports—which controls NIL operations through 2040—requires athletes to sign away certain NIL rights, according to a December 2025 KSR report. This creates a "highly structured" agreement that critics and sources say is unique in its restrictiveness, making it difficult to compete with other schools offering more freedom.
• Specific Examples: Reports suggest that the restrictions forced by the JMI contract have led to players pulling back from verbal commitments. In late 2025, five-star prospect Christian Collins was highlighted as a player who was a "lock" but did not sign, with reports citing issues with the JMI contract language.

Yes…but not only athletes. All multimedia rights and uses of the UK brand, as well as the athletes Name Image and Likeness.

 

[AGUNITED4_rivals397978]

I'm not arguing, just trying to understand. Why would Amazon care about UK's cut, or who they're negotiating with? Wouldn't they just care about viewership?

Sorry I wasn’t clear…Amazon wouldn’t care. It would just mean less money for UK than other schools would receive for the same deal. Hence one of a few disadvantages

 

[CameronCat22]

Found this online:

• The Issue: Unlike most schools, Kentucky's deal with JMI Sports—which controls NIL operations through 2040—requires athletes to sign away certain NIL rights, according to a December 2025 KSR report. This creates a "highly structured" agreement that critics and sources say is unique in its restrictiveness, making it difficult to compete with other schools offering more freedom.
• Specific Examples: Reports suggest that the restrictions forced by the JMI contract have led to players pulling back from verbal commitments. In late 2025, five-star prospect Christian Collins was highlighted as a player who was a "lock" but did not sign, with reports citing issues with the JMI contract language.

That’s a Jacob Polacheck Jack Pilgrim article and another example of Kentucky fans and KSR desperately wanting to attack the program. Athethes at UK aren’t forced to sign their NIL rights away. Read the Kentucky state NIL law, that is literally prohibited. Are you really a UK fan?

 

[The Nightman2]

Found this online:

• The Issue: Unlike most schools, Kentucky's deal with JMI Sports—which controls NIL operations through 2040—requires athletes to sign away certain NIL rights, according to a December 2025 KSR report. This creates a "highly structured" agreement that critics and sources say is unique in its restrictiveness, making it difficult to compete with other schools offering more freedom.
• Specific Examples: Reports suggest that the restrictions forced by the JMI contract have led to players pulling back from verbal commitments. In late 2025, five-star prospect Christian Collins was highlighted as a player who was a "lock" but did not sign, with reports citing issues with the JMI contract language.

Yeah it was the same article everyone has read. Its talking about NIL and recruiting. If people wanted to play for Pope they would. Its a Pope issue. Alot of school use companies to handle licensing rights. We've had jMI a long time

 

[CameronCat22]

Something like the Amazon/Duke deal would never happen while the JMI relationship exists.

While I don’t think its the reason for the recruiting whiffs, if Amazon came to UK with a similar offer, they would have to work within the constraints of the JMI contract and give JMI a percentage. Amazon would never do that in a million years.

So now there is an example of other schools creating revenue sources that would be boxed out by JMI. Thanks MB

What the hell does JMI have to do with UK’s TV rights. UK as well as every program in the SEC signed away their grant of rights (TV rights) to the SEC when the SEC Network was created. ABC/ESPN own our TV rights, not JMI.

Also, why on Earth would you want UK games to be on Prime Video? ESPN+ and SEC Network+ plus suck bad enough, why would you as a fan want another streaming service?

 

[preacherfan]

That’s a Jacob Polacheck Jack Pilgrim article and another example of Kentucky fans and KSR desperately wanting to attack the program. Athethes at UK aren’t forced to sign their NIL rights away. Read the Kentucky state NIL law, that is literally prohibited. Are you really a UK fan?

Am I really a UK fan??? I've been on this site for a good 20+ years. Posting an article without comment is simply posting an article without comment. Anyone is free to respond and critique the article. Are you trying to say a "real fan" wouldn't post an article that doesn't make UK look good? Sorry but I thought this was a discussion board and that is why I posted it.

 

[AGUNITED4_rivals397978]

This is from UK Athletics

“This agreement, which covers multimedia rights, sponsorships, and stadium development, now centralizes Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) negotiations for student-athletes”

This is the part Amazon would have no part of. They would want full creative control and would absolutely not work with a third party. They would only buy (or contract) the specific multimedia rights outright for the designated period of time.

I’m just sayin…there have been a lot of questions about the actual effects of the deal. I repeat that I don’t think the deal contributed to recruiting misses, but this is at least one way the deal could affect UK.

 

[Mike-D]

How UK could sign a 20-year contract with JMI is astounding, why not do a three year to see how things go initially.

Mitch Barnhart.

 

[AGUNITED4_rivals397978]

What the hell does JMI have to do with UK’s TV rights. UK as well as every program in the SEC signed away their grant of rights (TV rights) to the SEC when the SEC Network was created. ABC/ESPN own our TV rights, not JMI.

Also, why on Earth would you want UK games to be on Prime Video? ESPN+ and SEC Network+ plus suck bad enough, why would you as a fan want another streaming service?

I as a lifelong UK fan would absolutely want $40 million for the UK athletic department. Why WOULDNT you?

 

[JPFisher]

How UK could sign a 20-year contract with JMI is astounding, why not do a three year to see how things go initially.

Because a UK exec is f***ing a JMI exec.

 

[TigerMoving]

This is from UK Athletics

“This agreement, which covers multimedia rights, sponsorships, and stadium development, now centralizes Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) negotiations for student-athletes”

This is the part Amazon would have no part of. They would want full creative control and would absolutely not work with a third party. They would only buy (or contract) the specific multimedia rights outright for the designated period of time.

I’m just sayin…there have been a lot of questions about the actual effects of the deal. I repeat that I don’t think the deal contributed to recruiting misses, but this is at least one way the deal could affect UK

I as a lifelong UK fan would absolutely want $40 million for the UK athletic department. Why WOULDNT you?

Depends on how much money our competitors or getting. Feels like, based on actual on-field results, we are massively behind the rest of the SEC.

 

[mhs1964]

What the hell does JMI have to do with UK’s TV rights. UK as well as every program in the SEC signed away their grant of rights (TV rights) to the SEC when the SEC Network was created. ABC/ESPN own our TV rights, not JMI.

Also, why on Earth would you want UK games to be on Prime Video? ESPN+ and SEC Network+ plus suck bad enough, why would you as a fan want another streaming service?

Only for SEC games.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

The only thing wrong with the JMI contract is not having an opt out.

But maybe it does? You will never get a fair opinion on JMI from KSR.

 

[CameronCat22]

Because a UK exec is f***ing a JMI exec.

15 year deal, just like Alabama and several other programs. On que you all lie about everything UK while hyping up Duke.

 

[cornbreadnmilk]

15 year deal, just like Alabama and several other programs. On que you all lie about everything UK while hyping up Duke.

I see the JMI shill is back.

 

[Vek96]

Something like the Amazon/Duke deal would never happen while the JMI relationship exists.

While I don’t think its the reason for the recruiting whiffs, if Amazon came to UK with a similar offer, they would have to work within the constraints of the JMI contract and give JMI a percentage. Amazon would never do that in a million years.

So now there is an example of other schools creating revenue sources that would be boxed out by JMI. Thanks MB

The JMI deal is a disaster. Another massive screw up by Barnhart. Barnhart really needs to leave the State of Kentucky. His entire tenure here is a failure. Ridiculous contracts, bad hires, and the JMI deal.

 

[AllBall]

How UK could sign a 20-year contract with JMI is astounding, why not do a three year to see how things go initially.

I've been SCREAMING this since it was revealed. There's only one logical reason, Mitch and his cronies are getting kickbacks and lining their pockets.
Nobody signs a deal that important w/o knowing it's beneficial to your flagship program.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Im assuming theres some Duke grads high up in Amazon? This is the problem, too many schools in big markets will inevitably be able to spend more money, if their fans and constituents want to. A $30 mil roster is a drop in the bucket for the top50 highest paid Duke alumni (or Michigan, or Texas).

 

[CameronCat22]

Only for SEC games.

ESPN/ ABC own the broadcast rights for every home SEC game out of conference too. I apologize in advance for facts hurting people’s feelings.

 

[CameronCat22]

I see the JMI shill is back.

So I was wrong, it’s really a 20 year deal and I’m shilling for JMI? You know what kind of people get offended by facts… yeah. Now get back to your Duke slurp fest like a good boy.

 

[BellyBall]

How UK could sign a 20-year contract with JMI is astounding, why not do a three year to see how things go initially.

Mitch is how.

He's might well be the worst AD ever when it comes to contract negotiations.

He has hurt UK athletics in ways we don't fully understand yet. In the coming years we will start to learn all the ways this JMI deal will screw us. The changing of UK athletics to a business could potentially be much worse than the JMI deal. I really don't think we grasp the mess he has made yet.

 

[AGUNITED4_rivals397978]

ESPN/ ABC own the broadcast rights for every home SEC game out of conference too. I apologize in advance for facts hurting people’s feelings.

This is true. I believe the Amazon deal focuses specifically on non -conference, neutral site games.

 

[Vek96]

How UK could sign a 20-year contract with JMI is astounding, why not do a three year to see how things go initially.

Yep. You never sign a 20 year deal when you’re not sure what you’re getting into.

 

[preacherfan]

That’s a Jacob Polacheck Jack Pilgrim article and another example of Kentucky fans and KSR desperately wanting to attack the program. Athethes at UK aren’t forced to sign their NIL rights away. Read the Kentucky state NIL law, that is literally prohibited. Are you really a UK fan?

You are correct. They aren't forced to sign their NIL right away but it does appear there is some uniquely restrictive language in the agreement that doesn't sit right with some of the agents.

 

[ComplexTon]

I know it comes across as conspiracy theory thinking BUT I have to admit this makes me wonder if Barnhart got (or is still getting) some kind of kickback from locking UK into an absolutely absurd 20 YRSR contract! Nobody negotiates an INITIAL contract with this much importance for a term of two decades!

 

[CameronCat22]

I as a lifelong UK fan would absolutely want $40 million for the UK athletic department. Why WOULDNT you?

So the Duke deal with Amazon with an unreported amount of money is now worth $40 million? Anything to prop up Duke and **** on UK. Y’all need to stop complaining when the spend a week promoting Duke on ESPN, and dedicate and entire day to the Duke UNC game. Y’all seem to love them as much as ESPN.

 

[Kantucke_rivals]

You gotta have a roster of elite talent & draft picks to get these deals, because people won't watch otherwise. So even if JMI was out of the picture, not sure Amazon would even be interested.

 

[CameronCat22]

You gotta have a roster of elite talent & draft picks to get these deals, because people won't watch otherwise. So even if JMI was out of the picture, not sure Amazon would even be interested.

They still believe JMI owns UK’s broadcast rights and not ABC/ESPN. Special group we have.

 

[AJG-15]

This is from UK Athletics

“This agreement, which covers multimedia rights, sponsorships, and stadium development, now centralizes Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) negotiations for student-athletes”

This is the part Amazon would have no part of. They would want full creative control and would absolutely not work with a third party. They would only buy (or contract) the specific multimedia rights outright for the designated period of time.

I’m just sayin…there have been a lot of questions about the actual effects of the deal. I repeat that I don’t think the deal contributed to recruiting misses, but this is at least one way the deal could affect UK.

I agree. I dealt with Amazon on Contracts and just like any big fish they would never agree to a template from a client and they want maximum flexibility .

after reading about Duke Amazon deal, I watched a bit of nba lakers Houston game on amazon prime. While the cameras court positioning and replays was not a dramatically improvement from ESPN, compared lets say with nfl or uefa champion league which I think are best in the business, they do offer instant stats , betting, purchase of teams gear and merchandising, plus instant replay of certain game highlights Which is a new concept that will potentially boost the revenue of the teams involved.

Whenever you sign away parts of your future revenue sources at a cureent value which JMI does, you are robbing your future of money. A long term deal like this is good only for very cyclical business , where you need to go to a bank for loans and guarantee with the revenue money that now your mortgage but is somewhat guaranteed.

For UK OR any university this a lazy decision done by administrators that would argue that they don’t have the in-house finance and legal knowledge, which is BS.
The Yale, Princeton, Harvard, have extremely large endowments that they manage in house.

UK , MB and the president chose a shortcut, probably based on some kickbacks, and completely handcuff UK future.

Whatever JMI Manages would be based on their templates and their interest first and UK interest will come second. this is. DISASTER DEAL at many levels. Everything that JMI deal touches turns to overspend and less results by UK from infrastructure construction to sports program including the football and basketball.

 

[theBlues]

Are you really a UK fan?

We know he's a UK fan; we're not so sure about you. That's a great way for a newbie to get put on ignore by everybody; that means nobody will see your posts. If that's your goal, just keep it up and you'll achieve your goal.

 

[Crestcat]

I know it comes across as conspiracy theory thinking BUT I have to admit this makes me wonder if Barnhart got (or is still getting) some kind of kickback from locking UK into an absolutely absurd 20 YRSR contract! Nobody negotiates an INITIAL contract with this much importance for a term of two decades!

Especially with NIL being so up in the air. We do not know what it is going to end up looking like.

 

[CameronCat22]

We know he's a UK fan; we're not so sure about you. That's a great way for a newbie to get put on ignore by everybody; that means nobody will see your posts. If that's your goal, just keep it up and you'll achieve your goal.

Put me on ignore. UK hating frauds like you liars provide no value to me. I feel no need to fit in with a group that’s proud to be ignorant, spends every moment trashing UK, and now you’re overhyping Duke. Enjoy ignoring, I will not be participating in your ignorance.

Hey buddy, you participate in our lies or we will ignore you. JMI owns our broadcast rights, has a 20 year deal, and Amazon pays the amazing Dookies $40 million dollars. What a joke you are.

 

[Crestcat]

We know he's a UK fan; we're not so sure about you. That's a great way for a newbie to get put on ignore by everybody; that means nobody will see your posts. If that's your goal, just keep it up and you'll achieve your goal.

We know preacher he's been around a long time, cameron has been here three weeks.