
UK Taps J Batt as AD, Promises Dual-Sport Excellence and Revenue Growth
Kentucky announced J Batt as its new athletic director and CEO of Champions Blue, signaling a revenue-forward, fan-inclusive plan to lead UK Athletics with dual-sport excellence in basketball and football. Batt stressed accelerating changes in college athletics, improving gameday experiences, and sustaining UK’s “destination” status, while summer basketball practice began with a few standouts noted and Kam Williams sidelined by a foot injury. Kentucky also announced seven non-conference home games for 2026-27 and began pursuing 2028 recruits, including Erick Dampier Jr. In other sports updates, a World Cup draw saw Cape Verde upset Spain 0-0, and Pardon My Take is set to host KSR today.













