J Batt starts at Kentucky July 28 with reduced buyout from MSU
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 11:17 PM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026
J Batt is set to begin his new role as Kentucky’s athletic director on July 28, having negotiated a reduced buyout from Michigan State University. Kentucky will pay MSU $3.95 million to release Batt from a six-year contract worth over $12.6 million, down from an initial $5 million buyout. The buyout’s reduction followed an escape clause linked to MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz's status, who recently opted to remain at the university. Batt, who has not yet confirmed a departure date, remains employed at MSU for now. He joined MSU from Georgia Tech in June 2025 and will earn nearly $3 million annually at UK, where he also takes on responsibilities as the CEO of Champions Blue.
- •Batt takes over as Kentucky AD on July 28.
- •Kentucky pays $3.95 million buyout to MSU.
- •Buyout reduced from initial $5 million after negotiations.
- •Batt remains at MSU until a departure date is finalized.
- •He earned $1.85 million in base pay at MSU for one year.
- 12:10 AMYahoo Sports — Former MSU AD J Batt buyout, start date at Kentucky announced
- 11:45 PMYahoo Sports — J Batt to officially start at Kentucky July 28; MSU to receive $3.95M
- 11:17 PMYahoo Sports — J Batt has start date at Kentucky, reduced buyout at Michigan State
"Departing Michigan State AD J Batt won't have to pay the full $5 million buyout in his contract to start a new job at Kentucky at the end of July.
"Michigan State is making a million dollars less on the buyout for Kentucky-bound athletic director J Batt.
"See how much Michigan State will receive from Kentucky as part of J Batt's contract buyout
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 10, 2026, 12:10 AMFormer MSU AD J Batt buyout, start date at Kentucky announced
See how much Michigan State will receive from Kentucky as part of J Batt's contract buyout
- Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 11:45 PMJ Batt to officially start at Kentucky July 28; MSU to receive $3.95M
Michigan State is making a million dollars less on the buyout for Kentucky-bound athletic director J Batt.
- Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 11:17 PMJ Batt has start date at Kentucky, reduced buyout at Michigan State
Departing Michigan State AD J Batt won't have to pay the full $5 million buyout in his contract to start a new job at Kentucky at the end of July.
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