UofL NIL

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

Louisville reshapes NIL approach as 502Circle transitions operations to Floyd Street Media

Heird made the announcement in a statement Tuesday while thanking 502Circle founder Marc Spiegel and the donors who helped establish the collective during the early years of NIL in 2022.

www.wdrb.com

 

[theKybluedude]

Heard today they are over 31 million in bball nil for 2026.

 

[DudahUK]

Heard today they are over 31 million in bball nil for 2026.

Crazy stuff man. Imagine what football teams are going to start costing.

 

[BBNSZN914]

Heard today they are over 31 million in bball nil for 2026.

Feels like they are daring Kelsey to show his true colors one way or the other.

 

[TheInsider]

Heard today they are over 31 million in bball nil for 2026.

Where did you "hear" this?

 

[UK4Life#9]

Feels like they are daring Kelsey to show his true colors one way or the other.

They will no doubt be one of the most talented basketball teams in the country on paper so when they collapse and they certainly will, PK’s coaching discrepancies will be brought to light even more than they have already. I don’t understand how it’s not clear as day already but glad they are sticking with the little fella..

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Heard today they are over 31 million in bball nil for 2026.

That is not sustainable.

 

[DudahUK]

Where did you "hear" this?

I heard it too. Might have been KSR.

 

[AllBall]

I have said repeatedly that UL got an influx of NIL money from Alani Nu. The founders are UL supporters and sold the company to Celsius for 1.8 billion. They supposedly gave UL a significant amount for the next several years.

 

[Laparkafan]

I have said repeatedly that UL got an influx of NIL money from Alani Nu. The founders are UL supporters and sold the company to Celsius for 1.8 billion. They supposedly gave UL a significant amount for the next several years.

So why don’t they pony up in football then? Outside of Miami the acc isn’t very deep?

 

[TeamAmerica]

So why don’t they pony up in football then? Outside of Miami the acc isn’t very deep?

Their NIL for football is around 20 million with the biggest portion of the schools payout going to the football program on top of that.

 

[Bluegrasskingreboot]

I haven't "heard" or "seen" squat but my guess is that UofL, Duke, and UT are all 30 million plus.

 

[Beatle Bum]

I have said repeatedly that UL got an influx of NIL money from Alani Nu. The founders are UL supporters and sold the company to Celsius for 1.8 billion. They supposedly gave UL a significant amount for the next several years.

Katy and Haydn Schneider. How did their parents know they would marry when they named them?

 

[BBPirate]

The Congo Brands people also owned a chunk of Alani Nu, I’ve always been under the impression that they were the UofL connection but don’t know that for sure.
Congo also owns Prime Energy which has seen massive drops in sales over the past year so I’m sure they needed that money.

While I’m sure they have a little extry change in their pockets, it’s not like there is some new billionaire funding UofL athletics.

 

[Seth_C]

I haven't "heard" or "seen" squat but my guess is that UofL, Duke, and UT are all 30 million plus.

Which we will undoubtedly be reminded of every time they play, and every time they fail to live up to the expectations of such amounts of money. Just as the media did to us last season. Right?

*crickets*

 

[UKGrad24]

Louisville just isn’t a brand built to sustain long term college sports transformation. A lot of teams have been throwing around cash here and there but it’s not a sustainable model moving forward. L
Kentucky is far bigger in support and can garner far more funding, the issue is we’ve got an administration issue that must be handled first. Kentucky has made severe errors in allowing Mitch Barnhart to lead the way into the NIL era. The BOT’s have been asleep at the wheel due to financial bottom line and land lording being front and center. We’ve had an administration that has taken its eye off the ball, literally. Now that the governor has become involved that should clear up, it points to a very unhappy population in Kentucky that he cannot ignore.

Kentucky has to understand that neglecting this basketball program is a death sentence for the university and reputation. It’s not something that can happen.

Mitch is gone, and that is the first step to getting this right. The JMI deal must be reworked it’s not negotiable. I imagine JMI will eventually have to come to the table to iron some wrinkles out if they want to continue to advance as a serious competitor to Playfly and Learfield. No major flagship programs in the BIG10 or SEC are going to touch them if this is the way they’ll go after signing with them. If Kentucky basketball cannot produce with you as their major facilitator, then nobody can survive you. It’s a terrible look for them right now and it cannot be avoided.

These things will take care of themselves in time. One thing is certain, Louisville is not rich, not by any means. They’ve always tried to project a major player on the scene when they’re not, this is no different.

 

[MethodUK]

Sounds about right. No knock at all. But was confirmed by a close source M Brown received 3mil from Adidas and 3mil from UL. Not a bad haul for 1 season.

 

[Old Blue Fart]

There is another story here in Louisville about UL and their financial issues.
Seems UL is in the mix of cutting a lot of academic/ social programs (not related to anything from the government) stating that federal funding has dried up some and they do not have the money to keep supporting these programs.

I mentioned this in another thread, but if schools start cutting programs and brag about buying players for basketball and football like this, I do not see how the federal or state governments will not at some point get much more involved and question some of this.
Why should taxpayers be on the hook to support schools when they say the money is needed but say nothing when a booster gives them millions for athletics?

I would not be surprised if schools cut budgets for athletic departments before long if they have 30 million to buy a sports team.

I know it is hard for most who post on here as UK fans to believe that there are actually more people who do not watch college sports than who do.
When schools cut programs and then buy a sports team, it is not a question of if but when those who do not watch sports will get involved and question all this.

 

[CatManFromCa]

Why are we worried about UL NIL?

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

Why are we worried about UL NIL?

Because we compete against them for recruits???

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

Sounds about right. No knock at all. But was confirmed by a close source M Brown received 3mil from Adidas and 3mil from UL. Not a bad haul for 1/2 season.

FIFY

 

[BleedBlue747]

I think someone tried to back into a number using this article but it includes at least some football NIL. I don't care what they spend, but most articles have it closer to 10 than 20mil.

High dollar basketball Cards U of L spending to big to rebuild roster

By RUSS BROWN • Photos By UofL Athletics The University of Louisville athletics department has gone on a spending spree to restock its depleted men’s basketball roster, despite a reported an athletics deficit of $12.5 million for fiscal year 2024-25 and a reserve fund that has dwindled from $34...

www.voice-tribune.com

 

[Anon243091]

There is another story here in Louisville about UL and their financial issues.
Seems UL is in the mix of cutting a lot of academic/ social programs (not related to anything from the government) stating that federal funding has dried up some and they do not have the money to keep supporting these programs.

I mentioned this in another thread, but if schools start cutting programs and brag about buying players for basketball and football like this, I do not see how the federal or state governments will not at some point get much more involved and question some of this.
Why should taxpayers be on the hook to support schools when they say the money is needed but say nothing when a booster gives them millions for athletics?

I would not be surprised if schools cut budgets for athletic departments before long if they have 30 million to buy a sports team.

I know it is hard for most who post on here as UK fans to believe that there are actually more people who do not watch college sports than who do.
When schools cut programs and then buy a sports team, it is not a question of if but when those who do not watch sports will get involved and question all this.

Big money ruins everything

 

[mcowherd]

There is another story here in Louisville about UL and their financial issues.
Seems UL is in the mix of cutting a lot of academic/ social programs (not related to anything from the government) stating that federal funding has dried up some and they do not have the money to keep supporting these programs.

I mentioned this in another thread, but if schools start cutting programs and brag about buying players for basketball and football like this, I do not see how the federal or state governments will not at some point get much more involved and question some of this.
Why should taxpayers be on the hook to support schools when they say the money is needed but say nothing when a booster gives them millions for athletics?

I would not be surprised if schools cut budgets for athletic departments before long if they have 30 million to buy a sports team.

I know it is hard for most who post on here as UK fans to believe that there are actually more people who do not watch college sports than who do.
When schools cut programs and then buy a sports team, it is not a question of if but when those who do not watch sports will get involved and question all this.

We are approaching a period where universities will likely begin downsizing athletic departments by cutting programs that fail to generate a profit. For instance, the University of Louisville's men's basketball program is a vital economic engine, generating significant revenue not only for the university but for the city's broader economy.

It has become imperative for 'anchor' programs—specifically football and men's basketball—to remain successful, as they often subsidize the rest of the athletic department. Consequently, university administrations must face a difficult strategic choice: allocate the necessary capital to remain competitive in high-revenue sports or continue funding non-revenue programs, such as women’s water polo.

 

[TarHeelInCharlotte]

They are apparently trying to get Papa John to come back and give them money after kicking him to the curb for his racism years ago.

 

[ChocolateBiceps]

Louisville just isn’t a brand built to sustain long term college sports transformation. A lot of teams have been throwing around cash here and there but it’s not a sustainable model moving forward. L
Kentucky is far bigger in support and can garner far more funding, the issue is we’ve got an administration issue that must be handled first. Kentucky has made severe errors in allowing Mitch Barnhart to lead the way into the NIL era. The BOT’s have been asleep at the wheel due to financial bottom line and land lording being front and center. We’ve had an administration that has taken its eye off the ball, literally. Now that the governor has become involved that should clear up, it points to a very unhappy population in Kentucky that he cannot ignore.

Kentucky has to understand that neglecting this basketball program is a death sentence for the university and reputation. It’s not something that can happen.

Mitch is gone, and that is the first step to getting this right. The JMI deal must be reworked it’s not negotiable. I imagine JMI will eventually have to come to the table to iron some wrinkles out if they want to continue to advance as a serious competitor to Playfly and Learfield. No major flagship programs in the BIG10 or SEC are going to touch them if this is the way they’ll go after signing with them. If Kentucky basketball cannot produce with you as their major facilitator, then nobody can survive you. It’s a terrible look for them right now and it cannot be avoided.

These things will take care of themselves in time. One thing is certain, Louisville is not rich, not by any means. They’ve always tried to project a major player on the scene when they’re not, this is no different.

No offense man but all of this is simply you long opinion. “Sustain long term sports transformation”. Meaning what?

Transform from what to what? Despite being “little brother” UL is a historically way above average basketball school. That doesn’t matter much anymore in the NIL world though.

As long as UL keeps forking over millions and millions they’ll at least be somewhat relevant.

 

[BleedBlue747]

They are apparently trying to get Papa John to come back and give them money after kicking him to the curb for his racism years ago.

Nevermind

 

[Bluegrasskingreboot]

Louisville just isn’t a brand built to sustain long term college sports transformation. A lot of teams have been throwing around cash here and there but it’s not a sustainable model moving forward. L
Kentucky is far bigger in support and can garner far more funding, the issue is we’ve got an administration issue that must be handled first. Kentucky has made severe errors in allowing Mitch Barnhart to lead the way into the NIL era. The BOT’s have been asleep at the wheel due to financial bottom line and land lording being front and center. We’ve had an administration that has taken its eye off the ball, literally. Now that the governor has become involved that should clear up, it points to a very unhappy population in Kentucky that he cannot ignore.

Kentucky has to understand that neglecting this basketball program is a death sentence for the university and reputation. It’s not something that can happen.

Mitch is gone, and that is the first step to getting this right. The JMI deal must be reworked it’s not negotiable. I imagine JMI will eventually have to come to the table to iron some wrinkles out if they want to continue to advance as a serious competitor to Playfly and Learfield. No major flagship programs in the BIG10 or SEC are going to touch them if this is the way they’ll go after signing with them. If Kentucky basketball cannot produce with you as their major facilitator, then nobody can survive you. It’s a terrible look for them right now and it cannot be avoided.

These things will take care of themselves in time. One thing is certain, Louisville is not rich, not by any means. They’ve always tried to project a major player on the scene when they’re not, this is no different.

I dunno know. It sometimes feels like we are one Joe Craft away from bake sales and raffle tickets ourselves.

 

[rick64]

I think part of it is they want to see what Kelsey can do with a loaded roster.

 

[UKGrad24]

No offense man but all of this is simply you long opinion. “Sustain long term sports transformation”. Meaning what?

Transform from what to what? Despite being “little brother” UL is a historically way above average basketball school. That doesn’t matter much anymore in the NIL world though.

As long as UL keeps forking over millions and millions they’ll at least be somewhat relevant.

UL is has a very small market. And by small I mean their footprint is one of the smallest for any power 5 there is. It doesn’t get smaller. We are still moving in the direction of a power 2, we’re pretty much there, it’s only going to be defined more. UL has no realistic change at being inside of that group. There’s just no market.

So as that expands UL is going to end up outside looking in. As contracts change, mega deals expand etc UL will not be inside of that tend. In the end they will be unable to compete with those that are.

Im not even convinced of much anyway. They just haven’t won in so long they are trying to buy their way through for right now but that’s not going to sustain either. It’s not sustainable form a business standpoint.

 

[UKGrad24]

I dunno know. It sometimes feels like we are one Joe Craft away from bake sales and raffle tickets ourselves.

Kentucky doesn’t have a money and recourse problem. What we have is an administration problem. This president, BOT, and Barnhart have not been cutting edge, prioritize the wrong things. That will have to change moving forward as the major athletic programs are going to be needed. You simply cannot afford to be left behind in the new era. What we did was assume congress was going to rein it in and they’re not. This is why Mitch is gone and others will likely be behind him.

Kentucky really doesn’t have an option but beginning the focus on professionalizing their sports teams and setting deals around how to make that possible. It’s why I think JMI is going to have to rework their positions. JMI is not trying to be a small player they want to be a major player along with the others. They can’t do that if they’re known for limiting Kentucky basketball. Nobody will even attempt to speak to them in the future.

This will all be ironed out. It has to be there’s really no other way for the university or others like JMI.

 

[PoopooPeePee]

Fans are going to have to start to realize our tradition means absolutely nothing to recruits anymore. We HAVE to catch up to the times or we’re going to become the next Indiana.

 

[mhs1964]

I have heard the demise of Louisville on these boards for years and they always land on their feet stronger than ever. Louisville would sell their soul for a winning basketball and football teams and this year is a perfect example. Adidas aids them in NIL more than it appears Nike does UK. the University also subsidizes the athletic department (while closing certain academic areas) while UK used to and may still provide funds to the academic side. Finally there is more available money in Louisville than Lexington. Coal money is gone, horses are in a declining sport and bourbon companies will probably not favor one school for another and is currently having issues. The new media payout for the ACC is affected by success and viewership. As Heird said, you have to spend money to make money. You can bet your *** they will attempt it and likely again land on their feet.

 

[TeamAmerica]

UL is has a very small market. And by small I mean their footprint is one of the smallest for any power 5 there is. It doesn’t get smaller. We are still moving in the direction of a power 2, we’re pretty much there, it’s only going to be defined more. UL has no realistic change at being inside of that group. There’s just no market.

So as that expands UL is going to end up outside looking in. As contracts change, mega deals expand etc UL will not be inside of that tend. In the end they will be unable to compete with those that are.

Im not even convinced of much anyway. They just haven’t won in so long they are trying to buy their way through for right now but that’s not going to sustain either. It’s not sustainable form a business standpoint.

There are at least 20, if not more, power Conference teams in smaller markets than Louisville.

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

There are at least 20, if not more, power Conference teams in smaller markets than Louisville.

OPs hatred of uofl blinds his common sense.

Are you talking population? Most P5 colleges are in small college towns.

Many colleges in large cities have small fanbases because sports fans don't care about college sports, they are pro sports fans.

Northwestern in Chicago. Boston College in Boston. Georgia Tech in Atlanta. UC in Cincinnati. Vandy in Nashville. SMU in Dallas. Pitt in Pittsburgh. Houston in Houston. That's off the top of my head.

 

[Beatle Bum]

I have said repeatedly that UL got an influx of NIL money from Alani Nu. The founders are UL supporters and sold the company to Celsius for 1.8 billion. They supposedly gave UL a significant amount for the next several years.

According to AOC, it’s impossible to “earn” a billion dollars. You can cheat and treat your employees poorly, but you cannot “earn” one billion dollars. These people must suck.

 

[MidseasonTweak]

Heard today they are over 31 million in bball nil for 2026.

I highly doubt it. 31 million could have bought even better players. If it is true, Kelsey knows he is likely on his way out short of a FF.

 

[CatManFromCa]

Floyd Street Media? Bro, that sounds like a YouTube channel run by a freshman communications major who films dorm pranks.

UK has a professionalized, industrial‑strength, corporate NIL ecosystem backed by JMI’s marketing empire.

And THIS is who’s supposed to save UL basketball? UL fans trying to spin this like it’s some genius move.

This is why UK runs the state.
This is why UL stays in permanent rebuild mode.

 

[CRZ4UK]

UL administration is exactly the school that would borrow NIL money to have a good season. To them, it’s good business.
The ACC has reworked their deal with schools. The top producers will earn more than the scrubs. Payouts are not equal anymore.
They are probably gambling money they don’t have on a good season to earn enough to break even. That’s what trash does. Spend money they don’t have.

 

[Beatle Bum]

UL, the school, is in a financial budget shortfall. The teachers and professors feeling the stress of bad administrative decisions must love that the athletic department is paying millions to players.