The University of Kentucky has officially named its next leader of athletics. J Batt was introduced Monday as the new CEO of Champions Blue LLC and UK Athletics Director. Batt comes to Lexington after serving as Athletic Director at Michigan State and previously held leadership roles at Georgia Tech and Alabama. UK President Eli Capilouto praised Batt’s success in fundraising and building championship-level programs. Batt replaces Mitch Barnhart and says he is committed to maintaining Kentucky’s championship standard and leading the Wildcats through the changing landscape of college athletics.
Batt has signed one of the richest contracts in college athletics. Batt will earn $2.6 million in his first year of a six-year deal, with annual raises bringing his salary to $3.35 million by the final year. His contract also includes performance bonuses tied to academics, championships, and athletic revenue growth.