Four-star guard Acaden Lewis reopened his recruitment in April after initially committing to Kentucky, a decision influenced by the Wildcats bringing in several transfers.

Now, Lewis — ranked No. 35 overall in the 2025 class — appears close to making a new decision. Following his decommitment, four programs have emerged as his top contenders: Georgia, Miami, St. John’s, and Villanova.

Kentucky Turns Heads with Game-Changing NIL Power Move

Kentucky Turns Heads with Game-Changing NIL Power Move

Kentucky basketball isn’t just trying to keep pace in the wild world of NIL — it’s looking to dominate it. In a bold, first-of-its-kind move among Power Four programs, the University of Kentucky is proposing a major shift: the creation of Champions Blue, LLC, a revolutionary new structure that could completely transform how college athletics operates.

And make no mistake — this isn’t just a cosmetic update. It’s a power play to keep Big Blue Nation front and center in the future of college sports, both on the court and in the ever-expanding NIL marketplace.

1. Business Meets Basketball: The Birth of Champions Blue

While most programs are scrambling to adjust to the new financial realities of NIL, Kentucky is doing something radical — building a system designed to thrive in it.

The proposed holding company model under Champions Blue would allow UK Athletics to move like a private business: forming public-private partnerships, unlocking new revenue streams, and investing directly into athletes and facilities.

Forget just jersey sales and billboards. We’re talking real estate development, luxury stadium upgrades, and massive corporate collaborations.

“It’s a foundation and model that we are calling Champions Blue,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “It thoughtfully contemplates how we strengthen Athletics, protect and promote the University, and open up new opportunities for growth.”

With the looming House vs. NCAA settlement expected to force schools to share revenue directly with athletes, Kentucky isn’t waiting to react — it’s building a structure that’s ready to lead.

2. Leadership That’s NIL-Ready

If Champions Blue shows Kentucky’s vision, Mitch Barnhart’s leadership shows its execution. The long-time Athletic Director isn’t just adapting to change — he’s shaping it.

Barnhart sits on the national committee that will oversee implementation of the new NCAA settlement, giving him inside access to how revenue-sharing and NIL landscapes will shift over the next decade.

“We have to be creative,” Barnhart said. “We have to find new ways to generate revenue, manage expenses and think about opportunities to grow.”

That’s the entire point of Champions Blue: future-proofing Kentucky’s dominance before the rest of the college sports world even catches up.

The Bottom Line: Kentucky Is Setting the Standard

Kentucky isn’t relying on nostalgia to stay relevant. It’s rewriting the blueprint for success in the NIL era. If Champions Blue is approved — and all signs point to momentum building — you can bet that other elite programs will scramble to copy it.

Once again, Kentucky isn’t just competing — it’s leading.

Big Blue Nation, the future isn’t coming. It’s already here — and Kentucky just took the first step to own it