Peeking at Champions Blue: Upcoming Transformations in Kentucky Athletics

The University of Kentucky is positioning itself well within the new landscape of college athletics. This is in the immediate aftermath of the House settlement approval last Friday, stating that college athletics programs will be able to share revenue of up to $20.5 million annually with student-athletes starting on July 1, 2025.

From Thursday’s Board of Trustees meeting, it was confirmed that the University of Kentucky Athletic Department will become a holding company called Champions Blue, LLC.

“These investments and the new operating model represented by Champions Blue underscore that we are embracing change and rising to the challenges posed by this dynamic landscape,” said University of Kentucky Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart.

The Board of Trustees met Thursday to start considering proposed investments of up to $110 in Kentucky Athletics facilities over the next few years. These investments are part of an internal capital loan, which will be repaid with interest.

“We build — not for ourselves but for the future we hope, with partners, to create for the state, whose name adorns the front of every jersey for every athlete that competes for our university,” Capilouto said. “That’s what these investments represent — investments in our student-athletes, our university, our state, and the future we aspire to create and sustain for them all.”

Here’s a look at what these investments will include:

• $15 million for maintenance at Kroger Field Stadium.
• $13 million to renovate corner suites and elevators.
• $5 million to improve the soccer and softball facilities; UK Softball will host the SEC tournament in 2026.
• $8 million for the initial design of a West End Zone Club space and Wi-Fi improvements at Kroger Field.
• A Requisition For Information (RFI) to develop an Entertainment District on the UK campus, which could include concepts such as restaurants, hotels, and other entertainment options.
• An additional $31 million operating loan, also to be repaid with interest, as UK Athletics moves into its new operating and governance model and incurs additional new expenses.

“At a time when many are searching for answers, our administration has built on the strong partnership we have enjoyed for more than 20 years here on the UK campus,” Barnhart said. “We look forward to continuing that into the future. We will remain focused on education and competition, putting championship rings on fingers and diplomas in hands.”

Barnhart is a part of the Champions Blue Board of Governors, which includes four voting members without formal term limits. The Board of Governors also includes three subject matter experts with staggered terms, and Barnhart is listed as Ex-Officio member.

“We are proposing a new strategic governance structure and operating model, unlike any in the country,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “The goal is to incentive innovation. The idea is to remain a premier program by pushing us to examine creative ways to grow and generate the revenues necessary to support our success.”

Be sure to check out UK’s full announcement on the upcoming big changes.

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