J Batt has finalized his contract as the new athletic director at the University of Kentucky. According to reports, he is seeing a significant raise in his pay compared to his contract with Michigan State.
As per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Batt has signed a six-year deal worth $17.85 million. This is a $5.25 million increase in his salary compared to the six-year, $12.6 million deal he signed with Michigan State in June 2025.
ESPN’s Jay Bilas shared the post on J Batt’s multi-million-dollar contract while taking a jab at the Kentucky AD. He sarcastically compared it to the criticism the modern NIL era in college sports earned when it was implemented back in 2021.
“Is anyone calling this an existential threat? Oh yeah, that’s only when athletes seek fair value. Got it,” Bilas tweeted.
According to Thamel’s report, J Batt will earn $400,000 in base compensation along with $2 million in supplemental compensation during the first year of his contract. He will earn $150,000 extra each year of his deal, bringing his total compensation to $3.35 million in Year six. Apart from this, Kentucky will also be paying his Michigan State buyout.
J Batt gets honest about his new role as Kentucky AD
J Batt will not officially take over as Kentucky’s new athletic director until July 1. However, he is already doing his due diligence to get acquainted with his new home.
While speaking to the press on Tuesday, Batt shared his thoughts on his upcoming journey in Lexington.
“It’s been unbelievable,” Batt said as per Kentucky New Era. “I’ve been on the phone a bunch the last 24 hours, and whether it’s the different folks I’ve talked to, donors, the passion people have for this place is unreal.
“I think it’s one thing that we’re still trying to learn, but UK athletics matter to the entire commonwealth. We’re super excited to represent that, to work to prove each and every day how important that standard is, and to meet it. We’ve felt that for sure. … As much as I can be out, I’ll be out.
“I look forward to meeting every single person in Big Blue Nation that wants to visit. I’ll be there, with a hand to shake and everything else. I love it. It’s part of what really excites me about this job. We’ve got tremendous people and so getting out and about is something I love to do.”
Batt is expected to help Kentucky maximize revenue as he did during his previous stints with Georgia Tech and Michigan State. However, there are still questions surrounding his capability to draft suitable coaches to represent the various sports programs.
Read More: Mark Pope’s Spot Reportedly Under Threat as Former Chicago Bulls Coach Linked With Kentucky
Also Read: “Destination Job”: Amid Regular Job Shifts, Kentucky AD J Batt Discusses How Long He Plans to Stay
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