Kentucky Basketball announces La Familia, new public NIL initiative

kentucky-basketball-la-familia-nil-public-collective — Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky Basketball fans can now help the program be the gold standard in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). This morning, John Calipari announced the formation of “La Familia,” a new NIL initiative through which fans can donate to the players and receive exclusive content. It is an expansion of The La Familia Club that was launched last summer for boosters and former players.

The new fund was first mentioned yesterday by Matt Jones, who says the project has the backing of the administration, most notably athletics director Mitch Barnhart. Calipari shared the news of “La Familia” on social media with a video that also includes current players Reed Sheppard, Adou Thiero, and Antonio Reeves, and former Cat and current graduate assistant Tyler Ulis.

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“Thank you for being the most engaged fans, the most supportive fans; that’s why Kentucky Basketball is the gold standard,” Calipari says in the video. “College basketball is changing right before our eyes. La Familia was formed. They did it to support me, support the kids, support the program. Now, I’m giving BBN an opportunity. Why don’t you join us? One hundred percent of what you do will go back to the players.”

Thank you, #BBN, for your continued support! Your unparalleled passion and engagement continue to make this program the gold standard! Join us in #LaFamilia as we continue to elevate this program for years to come!!

More: https://t.co/12JbgtDGx5 pic.twitter.com/LO66qyf800
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) March 14, 2024

Fans can donate to La Familia at SpotFund.com/LaFamilia. It’s free to register and there are giving levels ranging from $10 to $10,000, each with corresponding perks. Members will enjoy monthly content from Cal and the team, opportunities to attend events, and more. As the program grows, unique gifts will be added at various donation levels, including a virtual La Familia membership card, limited-edition t-shirt, exclusive trading cards, a team-signed basketball, and a personalized video message from Coach Cal.