Kentucky hires J Batt as athletic director on lucrative contract
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 8:45 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
The University of Kentucky officially appointed J Batt as its new athletics director on June 16, 2026. Batt, previously at Michigan State, signed a six-year contract starting at $2.6 million in 2026, escalating to $3.35 million by 2031. The hire follows the retirement of Mitch Barnhart, and UK paid a $2.5 million buyout to secure Batt's services. Fans are encouraged to participate in a poll to grade the hire.
- •J Batt appointed as Kentucky athletics director on June 16, 2026.
- •Batt's six-year contract starts at $2.6 million in 2026.
- •Salary increases to $3.35 million by 2031.
- •Kentucky paid a $2.5 million buyout to Michigan State for Batt.
- •Fans invited to grade the hire through a poll.
- 8:45 PMYahoo Sports — J Batt contract details revealed with UK: How would you grade the hire?
"J Batt is now one of the highest-paid athletic directors in college sports.
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