Mark Cuban Says He Paid for Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Deal
Front Office Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Mark Cuban, billionaire and Indiana University (IU) alumnus, financially supported Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s transfer to IU, significantly aiding the Hoosiers' run to the 2024 national championship.
- Cuban, who had never donated to IU athletics before, was persuaded by IU athletic director Scott Dolson to contribute funds specifically to secure Mendoza, emphasizing the quarterback’s importance to IU’s football program.
- Mendoza reportedly earned $2.6 million to transfer to IU, where he led the team to a 16–0 season and their first national championship, before being selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Raiders.
- Cuban’s donations are unrestricted, with Dolson deciding how best to use the funds, and Cuban offers strategic advice based on his extensive experience as an NBA team owner.
- The connection between Cuban, Mendoza’s family, and IU coach Curt Cignetti, all from Pittsburgh, helped facilitate Cuban’s involvement and support for the football program.
