J Batt will begin his tenure as CEO of Champions Blue LLC and UK Athletics Director on July 28, University of Kentucky officials announced Thursday.

“From my first discussions with President (Eli) Capilouto and others at UK, I was certain that this is the absolute right opportunity for us,” Batt said. “Kentucky’s storied history, the opportunity to serve the best fans in the country, the University’s strong institutional alignment and innovative mindset, and the foundation of excellence established by Mitch Barnhart and the athletics department make UK an ideal destination.

The values and goals of UK Athletics align closely with my own, and this department is well positioned for continued success in the shifting college athletics landscape.”

Batt comes to UK from Michigan State University, where he served as vice president and director of athletics. He also has served as director of athletics and vice president at Georgia Tech. He served multiple roles at the University of Alabama for several years, including executive deputy director. Batt also has worked at a number of other university athletics departments.

At Michigan State, Batt was instrumental with coaches and administrators in securing a more than $400 million commitment — the largest single gift in college athletics — and established Spartan Ventures, a nonprofit similar in focus to our Champions Blue LLC, to create new revenue streams and partnerships.

He also has contributed significantly to the ongoing development of a commercial district around the university’s football stadium. During his tenure, Michigan State student-athletes achieved the highest department-wide GPA in school history, and eight teams earned NCAA tournament bids this past year.

UK will pay Michigan State $3.95 million between now and July 1, 2027 under the terms of Batt’s contract. The transition process will continue in the weeks ahead before Batt arrives in Lexington on July 28.

Barnhart receives $3.2 million in retirement settlement

Former Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart’s time at the helm ended on June 30th. The longtime Kentucky AD will receive $3.2 million as a retirement settlement, the Herald-Leader reported Thursday.

The money will be split up over the next few years as he’ll receive payments from the school in 2027, 2028, and twice in 2029.

The first three payments will be $760,000 each, with the last payment at $780,000. The money will come from private funds, according to UK spokesman Jay Blanton.

Barnhart will do fundraising and any other duties as assigned, according to Jon Hale’ of the Herald-Leader's report. Barnhart will be paid a $40,000 annual salary for that work and continue to be eligible for insurance benefits.

Kentucky's new Athletics Director Jason "J" Batt will officially begin July 28, officials said Thursday. (Keith Taylor/Kentucky Today)