Kentucky names Michigan State's J Batt athletics director, CEO of Champions Blue
The University of Kentucky has named J Batt as its new athletics director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC, effective immediately. Batt departs Michigan State after one year in the role, where his tenure was marked by leadership instability. Kentucky’s move follows the resignation of Mitch Barnhart last month. Sources confirm Batt’s national recognition for fundraising and revenue growth during his prior roles.
What changed
Kentucky officially announced Batt’s hiring as both AD and CEO of Champions Blue, replacing Barnhart and consolidating athletic leadership under one executive.
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Kentucky hires Michigan State’s J Batt as AD, CEO of Champions Blue
confidence 98%The University of Kentucky has named J Batt as its new athletics director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC, effective immediately. Batt departs Michigan State after one year in the role, where his tenure was marked by leadership instability. Kentucky’s move follows the resignation of Mitch Barnhart last month. Sources confirm Batt’s national recognition for fundraising and revenue growth during his prior roles.
What's confirmed:
- J Batt has been named the University of Kentucky’s athletics director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC, effective immediately.
- Batt departs Michigan State after serving as athletic director for just one year.
- Kentucky’s announcement follows the resignation of Mitch Barnhart, who stepped down as athletics director last month.
- Batt is recognized nationally for leading during organizational change, fundraising, and developing new revenue streams.
- Michigan State’s president issued a statement confirming Batt’s departure but did not address the broader leadership turmoil at the university.
Still unconfirmed:
- Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s longtime coach, reacted strongly to Batt’s departure, calling the situation ‘kind of disgusting’ and criticizing the university’s leadership decisions.
- Mark Hollis, Batt’s predecessor at Michigan State, expressed interest in returning to the role if asked, though no formal discussions have been reported.
- Izzo reportedly remains frustrated with Michigan State’s ongoing leadership instability following the departures of both the president and athletic director.