When Kentucky secured J Batt away from Michigan State, everybody understood it would carry a financial cost. As it turns out, though, that price tag is shaping up to be far smaller than originally anticipated.
That reduction comes courtesy of Michigan State’s former president, Kevin Guskiewicz. By choosing to leave East Lansing for the presidency at Clemson, Guskiewicz effectively sliced Batt’s buyout in half dropping it from $5 million down to $2.5 million.
Guskiewicz was the one who personally selected Batt, and their relationship goes way back to their shared time at North Carolina. Michigan State had previously paid just over $2 million to pry Batt away from Georgia Tech, so the Spartans will still likely come out slightly ahead financially though nowhere near the return they were probably counting on.
That savings is capital Kentucky can now redirect elsewhere, and Batt himself brings some distinctive approaches to generating revenue.
J Batt’s fundraising style might not sit well with everyone
While at Michigan State, he made it clear the program was “open for business” referring to selling naming rights, adding jersey patches, and pursuing other commercial opportunities to boost income.
This is bound to ruffle feathers among traditionalists who view jersey patches as an intrusion. In certain corners of the state, the blue and white is treated almost as untouchable, so picturing a Jersey Mike’s logo on the upper right of the uniform might feel jarring. Personally, I have no real issue with it.
Nike will still sell patch-free jerseys through standard retail channels, so fans can always buy those versions, and the added revenue helps keep costs down specifically, it helps raise funds WITHOUT pushing ticket prices higher.
That last part is what really matters. Bringing in and spending money sounds great until the burden shifts directly onto the fan base. That’s why creative income-generating strategies are essential, and Batt appears to excel in that area.
The fortunate part for Kentucky is that they’re already starting from an advantageous position, thanks to a buyout clause that worked in their favor. What’s your take on jersey patches?
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