Highlights
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Kentucky reportedly leads all college basketball programs with a $22 million payroll for the 2024-25 season.
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The figure puts the Wildcats ahead of other major programs in the new NIL-driven era.
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Transfer forward Jayden Quaintance holds an NIL evaluation of $1.9 million, the sixth-largest in the nation per On3.
Kentucky men’s basketball is believed to have the highest payroll in the country ahead of the 2025–26 season, with spending estimated at more than $22 million, according to a report from The Lexington Herald-Leader’s Ben Roberts.
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The staggering figure comes as schools adjust to new NCAA guidelines following the House v. NCAA settlement, which allowed universities to directly compensate athletes beginning July 1.
Kentucky has wasted no time taking advantage of the change, assembling what is projected to be the most expensive roster in college basketball history.
For comparison, Roberts noted that the Wildcats’ budget for John Calipari’s final season in 2023–24 was under $4 million, marking a more than fivefold increase in just two years. Several other major programs are reportedly spending over $10 million this season, but Kentucky is likely in a league of its own according to Roberts.
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The spending surge aligns with the arrival of head coach Mark Pope, who took over for Calipari in April 2024. One major donor reportedly pledged $4 million in NIL funds shortly after Pope’s hiring, boosting the program’s financial resources.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Kentucky’s roster reflects that investment. Transfer forward Jayden Quaintance, who joined from Arizona State, holds an NIL valuation of $1.9 million, the sixth-highest in the nation, per On3. The Wildcats also boast the fifth-ranked transfer class and the seventh-ranked freshman class, headlined by guard Jasper Johnson and center Malachi Moreno.
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With expectations to match the price tag, Pope enters his second season facing significant pressure. The Wildcats went 24–12 last year and reached the Sweet 16 before falling to Tennessee.
Kentucky opens the 2025–26 season against preseason No. 1 Purdue on Oct. 24 at Rupp Arena.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
