University of Kentucky restructures, embracing a fresh chapter in the realm of university sports
Starting July 1, 2025, a new era in college athletics will unfold as the University of Kentucky, among other institutions, begins to share a portion of its athletic revenue with student-athletes, following the House v. NCAA settlement. Here's a breakdown of the changes that the Big Blue Nation can expect:
**Revenue Distribution**
Under the 10-year revenue-sharing model, the University of Kentucky can distribute up to $20.5 million in the 2025-2026 season. This cap will increase annually, based on 22.5% of the Power Five schools’ average athletic revenue. A new regulatory body, the College Sports Commission, will oversee enforcement and penalize institutions that exceed the revenue cap.
**Sports and Ticketing**
The University of Kentucky has announced several changes in sports and ticketing policies, effective from the 2025-26 school year. Free admission for men's and women's soccer will be offered, while women's basketball, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, and softball will transition to single-game admission. Ticket pricing will include all fees paid up front, in line with new FTC regulations. Notably, ticket prices for children will be standard across all sports.
The school is phasing out faculty and staff discount tickets, eliminating the season ticket discount by the 2027 season. However, the athletic program remains committed to offering access to events for university employees and fans, with select discounts still available throughout the year.
**Financial Implications**
The athletic department is taking measures to absorb the immediate and future costs associated with the revenue-sharing model. While specific details on the University of Kentucky's financial model for revenue sharing are not available, institutions are exploring various financial models to support this change, including relying on boosters, TV deals, and auxiliary funds from sources like college bookstores and student housing.
**Looking Ahead**
The University of Kentucky and its student-athletes can now partake in revenue-sharing. Mitch Barnhart, the athletics director, emphasizes the importance of the Big Blue Nation's continued support in elevating Kentucky Athletics to new heights. The school will continue to evaluate pricing to maintain a strong home advantage while supporting long-term success.
As the landscape of college athletics undergoes significant change, the University of Kentucky stated that this success reflects a broad-based commitment to excellence in all sports. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the University of Kentucky's plans, it would be best to consult their official athletic department announcements or recent news releases specific to the university.
[1] NCAA Settlement: https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/33875513/ncaa-settlement-house-v-ncaa-details-what-athletes-get-schools-pay [2] Alabama and Colorado's Plans: https://www.al.com/sports/2022/02/alabama-commits-to-paying-athletes-under-new-ncaa-rules-will-fund-new-scholarships-and-nil-opportunities.html [3] Colorado's Revenue Distribution: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/02/colorado-buffaloes-revenue-sharing-ncaa-settlement-football-basketball/ [4] Financial Models for Revenue Sharing: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/02/16/college-athletes-will-soon-share-revenue-what-schools-plan-pay
- As the university shares a portion of its athletic revenue with student-athletes in Kentucky, events such as football, men's and women's soccer, women's basketball, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, and softball will experience changes in ticketing policies, offering free admission for some sports while transitioning to single-game admission for others.
- In order to maintain a strong home advantage while supporting long-term success, the University of Kentucky will evaluate pricing in the context of the new revenue-sharing model.
- As educational institutions across the nation, including Kentucky, adapt to the post-NCAA settlement era, they are exploring various financial models to support this change, such as relying on boosters, TV deals, and auxiliary funds from sources like college bookstores and student housing.
