CBS Sports on Roster Spending (with numbers, including SHU)

[MichiganStoleTitle]

College basketball's NIL arms race, from $5M to $25M+: Breaking down roster values, spending tiers for 2026-27

CBS Sports contacted more than 100 sources to discover how much each power-conference hoops program invested this season

www.cbssports.com

 

[MichiganStoleTitle]

Tier 6: $7.1-9.9 million​

Schools in this range: Arizona State, Butler, California, DePaul, Florida State, Iowa, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Seton Hall, UCF, Utah, Virginia Tech


DePaul coach Chris Holtmann revealed to CBS Sports that he tweaked his contract to shift more toward NIL, so DePaul could keep chasing analytical darlings from the mid-major market, like Tulsa's Ade Popoola. Utah tried (and failed) to go international with star point guard Noam Yaacov, who was ruled ineligible for academic reasons. Cal, which is also creeping closer to $10 million, is a haven for high-major flameouts who want playing time. That's the cost of doing business in this realm. Shaheen Holloway's strategy at cash-strapped Seton Hall? Underdogs. Holloway is entering Year 5 at Seton Hall and he's yet to land a top-100 transfer. And still, Seton Hall beat its preseason projection at KenPom by a whopping 42 spots a season ago.

Key quote: "I don't bring in sexy names," Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway said on the Eye On College Basketball podcast. "I think a lot of guys have some money and they bring in sexy names and guys that the media think are big names and good players. I bring in guys that fit me and fit what I'm about. I don't try to get the best player; I try to get the right player for me. I like underdogs. … The media doesn't know them too much and go, 'Oh, they're not going to be that good. They don't have much money.' But the players are bought in, and I just coach them up."

 

[Halldan]

Both SHU and Rutgers are right at $10M

 

[jack 1970]

I like Sha's attitude and the way he's approaching this.

We need a George Kurtz type of supporter to go hunting in the NCAA in a serious way eg 1989-1993,

 

[Anon1774390042]

I like Sha's attitude and the way he's approaching this.

We need a George Kurtz type of supporter to go hunting in the NCAA in a serious way eg 1989-1993,

Come on George. Donate $10 million
Its gas money to you.

 

[HALL85]

Come on George. Donate $10 million
Its gas money to you.

My guess is that George Kurtz donates much more than that to SHU for causes that dwarf paying dribbling mercenaries.

 

[dehere23]

Both SHU and Rutgers are right at $10M

Not surprising the article is a bit off. It’s likely off across the board to varying degrees. For example, an article from another reputable site that came out a few weeks ago had Uconn at around $25M and 20-25% higher than everyone in the Big East. I think it’s pretty obvious who has more money than not, wirh rare exceptions. But no one knows for sure and programs want to keep it that way.

 

[Fishjam]

I think it coincides what most people estimate. The Athletic had the Big East average at $14 Million, CBS says $13.6. All the roster eligibility questions make it tricky but I think they pretty much nail the tiers and ranges.

Quite telling that in 5 years at SH, Sha has yet to bring in a Top 100 transfer. The "underdog" strategy sounds great but at some point he has to retain some good players AND bring in some good players. You can bring in players with Underdog mentality that also have some skills and a track record of success.

Sha's issues are clear:

1- he has a serious problem paying kids equal to or more than he makes, even after they prove themselves at SH. With his salary in the $2.2-2.4 range, he never had a player make even $1 Million per year. This year he went slightly into 7 figures for 1 or 2 guys. He has to start paying guys. Maybe now that he got a huge extension that will raise his salary to nearly $4M he will raise his self-imposed spending limit.

2- Once again, just ridiculous spreading the payroll over 15 players. Have to build a 3-man core every year. A PG, a Scorer and a Big Man. Spend what it takes to have 3 quality BE-caliber players then you can spread the rest around to underdogs. But you have to have

3- Has to figure out how to keep players year to year. Whether its 2-year contracts or approaching players early in Year 1 to offer contracts for Year 2, we have to figure this out. It makes sense to slightly overpay players to return. Not only do you know what you are getting, but you can build in a nearly guaranteed offseason improvement. Plus it helps the entire team having veterans return.

 

[PhishingPirate088]

Both SHU and Rutgers are right at $10M

Until the first 4 game losing streak, that number will all of a sudden become a mystery wrapped in a riddle, haha

 

[Anon1776442946]

I think it coincides what most people estimate. The Athletic had the Big East average at $14 Million, CBS says $13.6. All the roster eligibility questions make it tricky but I think they pretty much nail the tiers and ranges.

Quite telling that in 5 years at SH, Sha has yet to bring in a Top 100 transfer. The "underdog" strategy sounds great but at some point he has to retain some good players AND bring in some good players. You can bring in players with Underdog mentality that also have some skills and a track record of success.

Sha's issues are clear:

1- he has a serious problem paying kids equal to or more than he makes, even after they prove themselves at SH. With his salary in the $2.2-2.4 range, he never had a player make even $1 Million per year. This year he went slightly into 7 figures for 1 or 2 guys. He has to start paying guys. Maybe now that he got a huge extension that will raise his salary to nearly $4M he will raise his self-imposed spending limit.

2- Once again, just ridiculous spreading the payroll over 15 players. Have to build a 3-man core every year. A PG, a Scorer and a Big Man. Spend what it takes to have 3 quality BE-caliber players then you can spread the rest around to underdogs. But you have to have

3- Has to figure out how to keep players year to year. Whether its 2-year contracts or approaching players early in Year 1 to offer contracts for Year 2, we have to figure this out. It makes sense to slightly overpay players to return. Not only do you know what you are getting, but you can build in a nearly guaranteed offseason improvement. Plus it helps the entire team having veterans return.

Talent takes money. We dont have it. Period.

 

[Anon1776442946]

U cant build out a roster like that. Remember players 10-15 dont make that much anyway. Even if u took their salary andd gave it to 1-3 or 1-5, its still not.enough to sway those players here. U need quality backups now. Those dont cost 200k. Guys get hurt, u need players to fill in that can produce 1/2 capacity as the starters. We love to foul, so we need guys to fill in for those guys. Its simple. Generally speaking the lower payrolls dont make the playoffs in most sports on a consistent basis. Yes 1 or 2 breakthru here and there, and yes weve been close, but even those close years u can see the talent may barely get to the 2nd round at best.

 

[PhishingPirate088]

Talent takes money. We dont have it. Period.

Didn’t he just admit he doesn’t like spending money? Or is that coach speak?

 

[SPK145]

3- Has to figure out how to keep players year to year. Whether its 2-year contracts or approaching players early in Year 1 to offer contracts for Year 2, we have to figure this out. It makes sense to slightly overpay players to return. Not only do you know what you are getting, but you can build in a nearly guaranteed offseason improvement. Plus it helps the entire team having veterans return.

2-year Licensing Agreements (which is what Rev Share/NIL deals are) are largely unenforceable. Need to get the agreements to be what they really are, Performance Agreements. Another NCAA blunder.

 

[The Crows Nest]

Not surprising the article is a bit off. It’s likely off across the board to varying degrees. For example, an article from another reputable site that came out a few weeks ago had Uconn at around $25M and 20-25% higher than everyone in the Big East. I think it’s pretty obvious who has more money than not, wirh rare exceptions. But no one knows for sure and programs want to keep it that way.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but this article seems focused on the monies being paid by the schools from the so-called $21 million (or whatever the exact number is) "revenue sharing" cap that is in place; I am not sure it accounts for true "marketing" or other, deals the schools may arrange for players, or that they get on their own.

For example, if UConn has a car dealer that wants to pay Silas Demary $1 Million for advertising what a "steal" his car prices are...kind of like the steals Silas makes...I am not sure that is in these totals.

again, if I am wrong, ok...but it didnt read that way

 

[dehere23]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but this article seems focused on the monies being paid by the schools from the so-called $21 million (or whatever the exact number is) "revenue sharing" cap that is in place; I am not sure it accounts for true "marketing" or other, deals the schools may arrange for players, or that they get on their own.

For example, if UConn has a car dealer that wants to pay Silas Demary $1 Million for advertising what a "steal" his car prices are...kind of like the steals Silas makes...I am not sure that is in these totals.

again, if I am wrong, ok...but it didnt read that way

Good question. I don’t know the answer to that but it’s also why I don’t believe any of the reported numbers. For example, many of the $EC/football schools are alleged to having found creative ways to skirt any spending limit, certainly for football and some hoops programs as well. Duke has a massive fan-donor backed fund - forget the name - which I believe is run by successful alums and mostly used for hoops. No idea if that is compliant or if Duke funds creative ways to skirt any limitation - they’ve been one of the best at evading NCAA rules for years despite the supposed “clean” reputation.

 

[Anon1776442946]

2-year Licensing Agreements (which is what Rev Share/NIL deals are) are largely unenforceable. Need to get the agreements to be what they really are, Performance Agreements. Another NCAA blunder.

And what player is signing 2 year deals when budgets keep increasing

 

[radecicco]

I think it coincides what most people estimate. The Athletic had the Big East average at $14 Million, CBS says $13.6. All the roster eligibility questions make it tricky but I think they pretty much nail the tiers and ranges.

Quite telling that in 5 years at SH, Sha has yet to bring in a Top 100 transfer. The "underdog" strategy sounds great but at some point he has to retain some good players AND bring in some good players. You can bring in players with Underdog mentality that also have some skills and a track record of success.

Sha's issues are clear:

1- he has a serious problem paying kids equal to or more than he makes, even after they prove themselves at SH. With his salary in the $2.2-2.4 range, he never had a player make even $1 Million per year. This year he went slightly into 7 figures for 1 or 2 guys. He has to start paying guys. Maybe now that he got a huge extension that will raise his salary to nearly $4M he will raise his self-imposed spending limit.

2- Once again, just ridiculous spreading the payroll over 15 players. Have to build a 3-man core every year. A PG, a Scorer and a Big Man. Spend what it takes to have 3 quality BE-caliber players then you can spread the rest around to underdogs. But you have to have

3- Has to figure out how to keep players year to year. Whether its 2-year contracts or approaching players early in Year 1 to offer contracts for Year 2, we have to figure this out. It makes sense to slightly overpay players to return. Not only do you know what you are getting, but you can build in a nearly guaranteed offseason improvement. Plus it helps the entire team having veterans return.

All well and good. Spend what it takes for three BE starters.

How do you get three BE quality starters and then have solid players around them on $10 million? Our two best players left this past season for a reported $4 million and $3 million. That’s 70%+ of Holloway’s budget. Where are you getting another BE starter for less than $2 million leaving maybe $1 million for the rest of the roster. The numbers don’t add up.

So Holloway is trying to go with depth. Will it work, who knows? We’ll find out soon enough.

 

[dehere23]

All well and good. Spend what it takes for three BE starters.

How do you get three BE quality starters and then have solid players around them on $10 million? Our two best players left this past season for a reported $4 million and $3 million. That’s 70%+ of Holloway’s budget. Where are you getting another BE starter for less than $2 million leaving maybe $1 million for the rest of the roster. The numbers don’t add up.

So Holloway is trying to go with depth. Will it work, who knows? We’ll find out soon enough.

Harder for Sha to get guys to take discounts as well. Whereas other more established coaches and programs get that.

 

[dehere23]

And what player is signing 2 year deals when budgets keep increasing

I think some have but they can get challenged or there is a mutual release or buy out situation for year 2 if the player wants to leave or the coach wants to move on.

 

[Fishjam]

All well and good. Spend what it takes for three BE starters.

How do you get three BE quality starters and then have solid players around them on $10 million? Our two best players left this past season for a reported $4 million and $3 million. That’s 70%+ of Holloway’s budget. Where are you getting another BE starter for less than $2 million leaving maybe $1 million for the rest of the roster. The numbers don’t add up.

So Holloway is trying to go with depth. Will it work, who knows? We’ll find out soon enough.

Sha is spending at least as much on his Bench as his Starting 5. Depending on who starts his Bench may out earn the starters. Let that sink in. It's a crazy strategy, no sport in any league does that. You need to be 70-85% on starters, not 50%. The NY Knicks were at 83% last year on their Championship team.

Budd and Hines are All-Big East players, top 50 national transfers. They are paid a premium at $3-4M. You don't need 3 All-BE players, you need 3 guys who are legit BE starters who would start on several other BE teams who maybe could develop into All-BE types. You can get players like that for around $2M give or take. I'd probably go for 1 leader at close to $3M and try to get the other 2 for a combined $3.5M.

Get 3 reliable Starters for $6-6.5M. The other 2 starters can be in the 700-800k range.

Starting Lineup $7.5-8M
Bench 6 thru 11 $2.4M
Players 12 thru 15 - $100k total (Freshmen, Jucos & Walkons)

Also, just like every sport its far cheaper to pay to re-sign your own players than have to get a whole new team on the Free Agent market every year. You HAVE to figure out how to retain some players. Make it a Program Priority, look for players looking to find a home where they will improve year to year. Make them respectable offers at early stages. Every other team figures out how to do this, even ones with budgets like ours.

 

[radecicco]

Respectfully, Clark and Hines are the type of players you need to compete in the BE. If you take those two guys off the team, does it win 21 games and finish 4th? What $3 million player is going to want to play with lesser players, ie Clark (at least that’s what he said).

IMHO, you need three guys at around $8 million. Then fill in with what’s left. At $10 million, it’s extremely difficult to to get two more serviceable starters plus a 6th, 7th guy, forget an 8th guy.

i don’t agree with everything Holloway does and you make several valid points such as trying to retain guys. However I think Holloway understands all this way more than we do and has decided on a depth strategy regardless of what we might think.

 

[radecicco]

Harder for Sha to get guys to take discounts as well. Whereas other more established coaches and programs get that.

Agree, of course guys like Hurley and Pitino will get discounts.

 

[shu67]

Last year I said we needed 15 mill to compete with UConn and St John's with talent to reach the top spots in the BE. If we had that money Hines and Clark might still be here.

Anyway we don't have that money and Sha has to figure it out with less. I await the start of the season to see if his plans will work. He has put together a very interesting group of players.