UK announces official start date for new Athletic Director J Batt
On3 • • sports
Key Points:
- University of Kentucky announced that J Batt will officially start as Athletic Director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC on July 28, succeeding longtime AD Mitch Barnhart.
- Mitch Barnhart ended his tenure on June 30 and will receive over $3 million over three years as part of his settlement agreement.
- Batt praised UK’s history, fan base, and institutional alignment, expressing confidence in continuing the department’s success amid changes in college athletics.
- Batt’s transition from Michigan State was complicated by MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz’s decision to remain at MSU, resulting in UK paying a $3.95 million buyout to Michigan State through 2027.
- Batt will complete his transition process before officially arriving in Lexington to begin his role on July 28.
