LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – The University of Kentucky and its affiliated corporation, Champions Blue LLC, will pay Michigan State University $3.95 million to release new athletic director J Batt from his contract, according to public records obtained by WKYT.
The payment structure, detailed in a newly released Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated July 27, 2026, requires Kentucky to pay Michigan State an initial lump sum of $2.5 million by July 31, 2026. A second installment of $1.45 million is due by July 31, 2027.
The $3.95 million transfer serves as the buyout of Batt’s contract at Michigan State, where he had served as vice president and director of athletics since late 2024. Batt signed a separation agreement and release with Michigan State on July 9, 2026, officially terminating his employment in East Lansing…