JMI Sports & NIL Issue

[RoyKent]

Inside Kentucky’s Recruiting Roadblocks: A Deep Dive into JMI, NIL, and Closing-Table Drama

KSR takes an inside look at Kentucky basketball's recruiting and the impact of JMI and Mark Pope's efforts.

www.on3.com

In talking to sources, JMI, in conjunction with the UK basketball staff, is requiring prospective student-athletes to sign away NIL rights that would normally be untouched at any other school. A highly structured brand partnership agreement is something uncommon at other schools, but it is something Kentucky has pursued in accordance with JMI, making this arrangement unique to the current landscape of college basketball recruiting.

“I will say that Kentucky is the only school I’ve dealt with that even has anything remotely like this in their contracts,” one anonymous source said.

 

[KyLegacyBBN]

That article is concerning. Pope is failing on the court and off right now which is very bad.

 

[Vismund]

We need Tayshaun handling this and Pope focusing on the court. No guarantees that everything mentioned in that article is true but if even half is, that's pretty damning.

 

[fisherscatfan]

Inside Kentucky’s Recruiting Roadblocks: A Deep Dive into JMI, NIL, and Closing-Table Drama

KSR takes an inside look at Kentucky basketball's recruiting and the impact of JMI and Mark Pope's efforts.

www.on3.com

In talking to sources, JMI, in conjunction with the UK basketball staff, is requiring prospective student-athletes to sign away NIL rights that would normally be untouched at any other school. A highly structured brand partnership agreement is something uncommon at other schools, but it is something Kentucky has pursued in accordance with JMI, making this arrangement unique to the current landscape of college basketball recruiting.

“I will say that Kentucky is the only school I’ve dealt with that even has anything remotely like this in their contracts,” one anonymous source said.

That article if accurate is damning on all fronts.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

We need Tayshaun handling this and Pope focusing on the court. No guarantees that everything mentioned in that article is true but if even half is, that's pretty damning.

Article doesn’t even make any sense. Very vaguely references JMI restrictions without stating what any of them are while also stating we did, in fact, spend $22M. The agents’ quotes about Pope on the recruiting trail is eye-opening and concerning however.

 

[rick64]

If the Pope quotes are accurate that’s not good. I don’t think these hot shot recruits get all that hyped that “this is Kentucky”. Is it a factor, probably but not to the degree like it used to be.

UK definitely needs a GM to handle the NIL/JMI details and keep the emotions out of the equation.

 

[fisherscatfan]

If the Pope quotes are accurate that’s not good. I don’t think these hot shot recruits get all that hyped that “this is Kentucky”. Is it a factor, probably but not to the degree like it used to be.

UK definitely needs a GM to handle the NIL/JMI details and keep the emotions out of the equation.

Pope & Barnhart can end this only 1 way and it ain’t talking your way out of and saying it’s good. Need to close on recruits and immediately. This isn’t going away through denials. It goes away with results.

The natives are restless.

 

[Woodrow24]

Article doesn’t even make any sense. Very vaguely references JMI restrictions without stating what any of them are while also stating we did, in fact, spend $22M. The agents’ quotes about Pope on the recruiting trail is eye-opening and concerning however.

Pope has to change or he’s not going to make it here. Now we know why he’s striking out on recruits and it’s made me sad. The guy means well but it sounds like Pope is in over his head in to many ways on this job.

 

[Mike-D]

Mitch throwing out another insane contract on his way out.

 

[RobEStacy]

If what said is true, JMI will have to change, because if we keep losing games, then the brand value is going to tank. So do the hold the iron to the fire for the pennies they get on the NIL deals, or keep the brand strong that making them dollars.

 

[mdluk1]

Pope needs to change too. And he and Barnhart need to make statements about how they are going to fix recruiting.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

Pope has to change or he’s not going to make it here. Now we know why he’s striking out on recruits and it’s made me sad. The guy means well but it sounds like Pope is in over his head in to many ways on this job.

It was as bad as possible. The last thing I wanna hear is “we are Kentucky” in a sales pitch. It does confirm Pope is a fan. Don’t know how many conversations I’ve had with people on here where they disregard every fact and just say “we are Kentucky.” Here’s the cold, hard reality of 2026 college basketball.

Recruits largely do NOT care if you are Kentucky.
Coaches largely do NOT care if you are Kentucky.
“What is in it for me?” Period.

 

[Farsight Clone]

More info:

www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/inside-kentucky-basketball-relationship-jmi-recruiting/

 

[fisherscatfan]

Pope has to change or he’s not going to make it here. Now we know why he’s striking out on recruits and it’s made me sad. The guy means well but it sounds like Pope is in over his head in to many ways on this job.

I agree Pope needs to change but his weakness comes from a good spot and I get it. Sounds like Pope thinks he has a deal but agents keep doing their job to maximize $. It would piss me off too. He’s going to have to get over that.

But my biggest takeaway was structurally the contracts w/ recruits are the biggest issue. If accurate we cannot be on an island with restrictions. That’s the biggest stumbling block to me.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

So this has been floating around. I have seen it in multiple places. Take it as you will.

From what I understand is that Mitch allowing JMI to have full control over NIL might be his worst deal of all time. It seems like we are gated by JMI.

If true, JMI is the root of our NIL issues.

JMI Deal

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I friggin despise Mitch Barnhart. Like throat punch if I ever meet him type feelings.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Sadly this deal is in place until like 2040 or something??!! So even if it is indeed a horrible deal/contract UK athletics is stuck with it.

2040!!!! UConn may have 15 titles by then.

 

[One2Three]

It was as bad as possible. The last thing I wanna hear is “we are Kentucky” in a sales pitch. It does confirm Pope is a fan. Don’t know how many conversations I’ve had with people on here where they disregard every fact and just say “we are Kentucky.” Here’s the cold, hard reality of 2026 college basketball.

Recruits largely do NOT care if you are Kentucky.
Coaches largely do NOT care if you are Kentucky.
“What is in it for me?” Period.

As they say, “Money talks, bullsh*t walks.” Kentucky has boosters and fans willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money to get where we need to be, but it has to be used wisely. Pope nor Mitch are using it wisely. They’re overpaying. Mitch overpaying for a mediocre coach in Pope and Pope overpaying for mediocre players.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

There was a long in depth thread about this recently. One poster in particular was adamant the NIL deal is a good one and also that Matt Jones was sabotaging it for personal business reasons.

This poster seemed to know a lot about the deal and very sternly defended it. Clearly this person has a personal stake in NIL working. Could this poster be yet another Athletic Dept lurker attempting to influence a narrative?

As for Matt Jones, he drives me nuts but unquestionably is very smart and knows business, especially UK sports-related. My hunch, based on what I've learned so far, is that Matt is likely right about this situation. If so, this is devastating to our program.

The proof is in the pudding to me. 0 commitments shows that the JMI deal is crap.

 

[mdluk1]

The proof is in the pudding to me. 0 commitments shows that the JMI deal is crap.

Yeah, if it was so good, Barnhart would be out defending it instead of getting angry when people ask about it.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

The poster regurgitates the press release talking points, calls people who raise questions liars and Matt Jones puppets. Basically tries to shout people down. The money spent on the 25-26 BB team was done before the JMI deal in August and before NILGo and is unrelated to the future. That appears to be a miss on Pope’s part, not on UK’s support.

Looking at the JMI deal on the surface it looks Mitch was trying to stabilize revenue given the court rulings regarding revenue sharing and comply with NIL new rules especially if the SCORE Act passed.

But given the lack of BB recruits signed since the JMI deal, Rich Brooks saying UK has to step up, Tipton’s tweet, accusations of an apparent relationship between an AD employee and a JMI employee, report(s) of NIL contracts holding up BB commitments, apparent limited teeth of enforcement of NILGo due to fear of litigation, the SCORE Act floundering and a 15 year commitment in a changing landscape there are legit questions being asked.

A ton of speculation, potentially some smoke and JMI deal supporters basically telling people to shut up. People want to know—Is it Pope or other things. JMI deal may be great if “collectives” are reeled in through enforcement and legislation and JMI can deliver business deals to student athletes. Guess time will tell.

By the time that happens in Congress the deal will almost be done. If JMI is the reason for all this we are done for unless we can get some injunction because of the insider relationship that helped form the deal in the first place. Get it tossed, or get it amended to allow collectives to pay.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

The 22 million was before the JMI deal and the new NILGo requirements I believe.

There still may be a Pope/player issue but listen when Barnhart says “we aren’t going to break rules”. There has been reporting that some schools apparently are going around NILGo system to get deals done.

Obviously BYU is because in no world has Dybantsa done anything to earn his $6 million dollars other than play. That came directly from the Jazz owner and everyone knows it.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

the eye opener in that tweet is later on when the Walker says there is scuttlebutt top recruits don't want to play for Pope.

WTF?

Why would they? This team has embarrassed itself like crazy. No top talent wants to look like crap and get beat by 40.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Yeah, if it was so good, Barnhart would be out defending it instead of getting angry when people ask about it.

I can see why players don’t want pope, I’m sure that has a lot to do with it but some guys are dying to get massive paydays and play for a known brand. We would pull someone by now with the money we supposedly have.

 

[kywildcat1021979]

Man this is some ******** !

New details on JMI deal with UK and its negative impact on recruiting

”Kentucky is the only school I’ve dealt with that even has anything remotely like this in their contracts.”

www.aseaofblue.com

 

[Ky_Bred_Cat]

Where are the JMI/UKAA burners now?!

They were in every platform today yelling at and insulting anyone with legit questions.

That horse is officially out of the barn now!

Can't help but wonder what's next. JMI and Barnhart speaking seems highly unlikely. Will Pope be allowed to? Pitchforks and protests?

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

That article is concerning. Pope is failing on the court and off right now which is very bad.

Pope is a yes man and good soldier. He has major issues but has nothing to do with nil. That's Mitch. All Mitch.

 

[Vismund]

No matter how many times you repeat a lie it’s still gonna be a lie. JMI controls BBNIL Suite, UK in house NIL and nothing else. Out has no control over athletes doing deals with collectives, businesses, or boosters. Athletes don’t even have to use JMI, yall just lie and say they do to serve Matt Jones.

So who's lying now? It isn't just Matt Jones reporting on this amigo. Every prominent UK media member is reporting on this.

Either JMI just houses BBNIL suite or they handcuff recruits.

 

[kfwa]

Where are the JMI/UKAA burners now?!

They were in every platform today yelling at and insulting anyone with legit questions.

That horse is officially out of the barn now!

Can't help but wonder what's next. JMI and Barnhart speaking seems highly unlikely. Will Pope be allowed to? Pitchforks and protests?

I was thinking that would die down pretty quick when that story came out.

Mitch needs to be fired. The associate AD needs to be fired.

UK should litigate the contract with JMI as them not practicing in good faith.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Matt has a very poor relationship with JMI —- it has been a very long time issue and nasty relationship, which has resulted in KSR being unable to record shows within JMI-controlled venues. There’s also a lot of bad blood from their radio broadcast relations. Finally, Matt admitted when the JMI deal was contractually inked, Matt expressed frustration that one of his own business partners had a better NIL structure and vocalized his disgust with Barnhart choosing JMI. There’s a lot more to it, but that’s the thumbnail version.

I understand Matt's dealing with JMI, that dates all the way back to when he was fired from the official pregame show. I'm just not sure how his feelings on this deal have anything directly, or indirectly for that matter, have to do with his business.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I think JMI has sent him communications regarding logos, brands, stipulations for player access etc. that wasn’t an issue for him before JMI.

Ahhhhhh. Makes sense. Although I'm still not certain that can be his trumpeting point for this. Maybe I take him too much at face value with what he says. It just seems to me like the deal doesn't allow much flexibility for players, and therein lies the issue with players/agents not wanting to come to UK and deal with that. Seems logical, I'm just not sure what the reality is.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

This whole ordeal stinks and Mitchs bristly responses make it clear he knows it was a horse **** decision.

This is the issue I have. He said the other day the question had been asked "19 different ways" in the first time I've seen him behind a microphone and in front of the press in FOREVER. Why not just explain it? It's been asked 19 times, according to Mitch, but still never answered. That's a problem.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I understand Matt's dealing with JMI, that dates all the way back to when he was fired from the official pregame show. I'm just not sure how his feelings on this deal have anything directly, or indirectly for that matter, have to do with his business.

It may or may not. No way to know for sure. Until I get something more substantial than some anonymous source saying that JMI is “making players sign their ‘rights’ away” without any specific mention of what those rights are, ill not see any of the JMI dooming as anything more than Barney Man Bad. I’m not a Mitch guy, never have been and never will be, but I haven’t heard any reason for me to doom with the rest. I live by facts and I’ve heard zero.

 

[preston-lemasterpiece]

This is the issue I have. He said the other day the question had been asked "19 different ways" in the first time I've seen him behind a microphone and in front of the press in FOREVER. Why not just explain it? It's been asked 19 times, according to Mitch, but still never answered. That's a problem.

Exactly. His low-testosterone, over -the-hill a*ss goes out and makes the godawful decisions...then we all have to live with the end results. And if you ask him to explain he'll run out of a presser with his tail between his legs. Get this man out of here PLEASE

 

[preston-lemasterpiece]

It may or may not. No way to know for sure. Until I get something more substantial than some anonymous source saying that JMI is “making players sign their ‘rights’ away” without any specific mention of what those rights are, ill not see any of the JMI dooming as anything more than Barney Man Bad. I’m not a Mitch guy, never have been and never will be, but I haven’t heard any reason for me to doom with the rest. I live by facts and I’ve heard zero.

But what facts have you heard about Pope costing us recruits? Other than him being an awkward nerd

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

But what facts have you heard about Pope costing us recruits? Other than him being an awkward nerd

I found the article to be very specific on Pope’s recruiting. I found it to be convincing—- if there was that level of detail on the JMI stuff I can be swayed. Pope saying “this is Kentucky”, not wanting to engage in bidding wars and taking it personally/emotionally is specific and matches things I’ve heard him say in multiple pressers. The math adds.

 

[Diggers_Matching_Highlighter_rivals62132]

How strong is UK 's '"collective" game anyway?
Something tells me UK is probably at the bottom of the SEC is "casual" fan contributions.
I would define that as a person giving between 25-300 monthly.
I just don't think this fanbase embraces giving to collectives.

If there was a clear marketing plan in place from the Athletic Depertment that might help.

Maybe a statement like: "You donation will go to improve or buid XYZ" would make sense?

That would take some basic communications skills, though.

 

[Kentucky15]

If what said is true, JMI will have to change, because if we keep losing games, then the brand value is going to tank. So do the hold the iron to the fire for the pennies they get on the NIL deals, or keep the brand strong that making them dollars.

Bingo. This is my hope. JMI is getting drilled right now and they didn’t pay all that money to be destroyed they paid it to get a flagship program in the SEC. They want more.

They keep hindering UK basketball and I promise them you’re done in this business. Fix it now or go to court and pay them the exit and get out. Destroying UK basketball is not an option.

 

[Kentucky15]

It was as bad as possible. The last thing I wanna hear is “we are Kentucky” in a sales pitch. It does confirm Pope is a fan. Don’t know how many conversations I’ve had with people on here where they disregard every fact and just say “we are Kentucky.” Here’s the cold, hard reality of 2026 college basketball.

Recruits largely do NOT care if you are Kentucky.
Coaches largely do NOT care if you are Kentucky.
“What is in it for me?” Period.

I don’t think this is all the way true. They would prefer to coach and play here yes. The brand, the fame, the lifetime perks, the dream of playing at the best all has serious weight and always will. You’ll never stop coaches from wanting the fame they get here and don’t get anywhere else. This is the only state in the US where the basketball coach is bigger than the governor and could actually be the governor if they really wanted to. That’s lifetime fame. The human condition won’t work around it. As someone in social science I can tell ya the pull to be famous will make human beings do crazy things. The evidence on that is not debatable.

At the same time this isn’t 1980 where Kentucky is the only way to get money or get on TV.

It’s a mix now, not one way or the other. Everything has to be there. They want Kentucky but you can’t short change them and expect Kentucky is going to be a reason to be short changed.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I don’t think this is all the way true. They would prefer to coach and play here yes. The brand, the fame, the lifetime perks, the dream of playing at the best all has serious weight and always will. You’ll never stop coaches from wanting the fame they get here and don’t get anywhere else. This is the only state in the US where the basketball coach is bigger than the governor and could actually be the governor if they really wanted to. That’s lifetime fame. The human condition won’t work around it. As someone in social science I can tell ya the pull to be famous will make human beings do crazy things. The evidence on that is not debatable.

At the same time this isn’t 1980 where Kentucky is the only way to get money or get on TV.

It’s a mix now, not one way or the other. Everything has to be there. They want Kentucky but you can’t short change them and expect Kentucky is going to be a reason to be short changed.

Yeah they still want to play at Kentucky, but not more than they wants big checks, a big stage, minutes etc. The days of brand winning the day are running out

 

[Kentucky15]

we

Yeah they still want to play at Kentucky, but not more than they wants big checks, a big stage, minutes etc. The days of brand winning the day are running out

to a degree I think it’s nothing like it was yes. But we just saw a coach take less money to coach at Kentucky. I do think some coaches would take less money to coach here, Calipari did.

I think there are some players who would take less to play at UK vs. LSU. How much less? Not much less.

To me this is a simple concept. Pay them match and you’ll likely get them unless it’s a player like Jaylen Brown who doesn’t want that recognition. Again it’s not ‘86 where not everyone is on TV and UK basketball has to be had for scouting purposes and connections etc. but the big boys are still where most want to go, you just can’t expect that to mean they’ll take a half million less to get there.