Kentucky Sports Radio Episode Summary – July 22, 2025

Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Drew, Shannon, and Mario
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Duration: Hour 1
Release Date: July 22, 2025

1. Introduction and Context

The episode begins with Matt Jones welcoming listeners to Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) on Tuesday, July 22nd. Matt shares his hectic schedule, juggling multiple shows and podcasts, highlighting his dedication to delivering comprehensive sports coverage. The team is joined by Ryan Drew, Shannon, and Mario, setting the stage for an engaging discussion.

2. Major Discussion: Budget Allocation Between UK Basketball and Football

a. Matt Norlander's Report on Sports Budgeting
The primary focus of the episode centers on Matt Norlander's recent report, which raises concerns about the University of Kentucky's (UK) revenue-sharing model between its basketball and football programs.

• Matt Jones [04:27]:
    “What’s the revenue situation at UK? Matt Norlander reports that Kentucky is allocating $20.5 million in revenue, with $9.5 million directed towards basketball. This is significantly higher compared to other Power Four schools, which allocate around $3–3.5 million to basketball.”

b. Contradictory Claims from the University and Football Department
Matt reveals that after the report's release, he received conflicting information from various university and football department contacts, suggesting that the actual budget distribution might be more balanced.

• Matt Jones [07:56]:
    “The football side asserts that they are receiving a substantial amount, competitive with other SEC schools, directly contradicting Norlander’s findings.”

c. Hosts' Perspectives and Debate
The hosts delve into a spirited debate about the appropriate budget split, considering the implications for both programs.

• Shannon [09:06]:
    “Kentucky would want the football team to remain competitive, but it's unclear if the proposed budget aligns with SEC standards.”

• Mario [23:45]:
    “I would allocate 70% to football and 20% to basketball, ensuring football remains robust while still supporting our premier sport.”

• Drew [24:00]:
    “I stick with a 9-9 split for basketball and football, aligning with Norlander’s report for balance.”

Matt counters with his own suggestions, emphasizing the need for transparency and proper allocation to maintain competitiveness.

• Matt Jones [25:03]:
    “A 12-6 split could provide basketball the boost it needs without severely underfunding football.”

d. Listener Engagement and Opinions
Listeners call in with their own perspectives, advocating for various budget distributions. Common suggestions include:

• Caller [27:13]:
    “I support a 13.5-4.5 split, giving basketball a slight edge while keeping football competitive.”

• Caller [50:03]:
    “A 13.5-4.5 division allows basketball to excel without neglecting football’s financial needs.”

e. Implications for Competitiveness and Recruiting
The discussion highlights how budget allocations directly impact team competitiveness and recruitment efforts.

• Matt Jones [36:02]:
    “Kentucky’s football competitiveness suffers if we don’t align our budget with SEC peers. Recruiting becomes a challenge when funds are disproportionately allocated.”

• Shannon [37:05]:
    “A $12 million allocation could help develop key players and maintain a competitive edge in football.”

f. Call for Transparency from Athletic Department
The hosts unanimously agree that Mitch Barnhart, UK’s Athletic Director, needs to provide clear information on budget allocations to quell fan speculation and internal debates.

• Matt Jones [13:05]:
    “Mitch Barnhart owes the fans a clear breakdown of where the money is going. Transparency is crucial for informed discussions.”

3. Secondary Discussion: The Best Biscuits in America

In a lighter segment, the hosts shift focus to celebrate local cuisine, highlighting a Louisville bakery recognized for its exceptional biscuits.

• Matt Jones [46:52]:
    “A Louisville location of Butcher Town Grocery Bakery has been named the sixth best biscuits in the United States. Their fluffy and delicious biscuits have lines out the door on Saturday mornings.”

• Shannon [47:32]:
    “I’ve never heard of them, but now I’m eager to try these top-rated biscuits!”

4. Light-Hearted Banter and Listener Interactions

The episode concludes with the hosts engaging in playful conversations about personal matters, such as dealing with reading small texts and plans to visit the award-winning bakery. These moments add a personable touch to the show, fostering a connection with the audience.

• Matt Jones [44:14]:
    “I had to put on these glasses to read texts without squinting. It’s either this or get those old man lines!”

• Shannon [44:50]:
    “I’ve been texting UK baseball coach Keith Madison about getting an old jersey for our restaurant. We’re excited to display some memorabilia.”

5. Conclusion: Emphasizing the Importance of Budget Clarity

The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the significance of resolving the budget allocation debate for the future success of UK’s sports programs. They call on the athletic department to provide clear, transparent information to help fans make informed opinions and support their teams effectively.

• Matt Jones [28:05]:
    “Football is your budget’s backbone. If you don’t prioritize it correctly, the entire athletic department’s finances could suffer.”

• Shannon [37:19]:
    “Developing star players should be a priority, but we need to spend wisely within our budget constraints.”

Notable Quotes

• Matt Jones [04:27]:
    “At Kentucky, of the $20.5 million they get to rev share, they're going to spend nine and a half on basketball. Now the other schools, the number is supposed to be like three to three and a half which would mean Kentucky is spending triple what any other of the power four schools are spending.”

• Mario [24:00]:
    “I'm doing 70%, 20%. So it'd be... 4 million for basketball.”

• Shannon [23:25]:
    “I'm probably going, like, somewhere around 12 and 6.”

• Matt Jones [13:05]:
    “Mitch Barnhart owes people the explanation. Do you think Mitch Barnhart and this athletic department should tell the fans where the money's going?”

Conclusion

This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio delves deep into the critical issue of budget allocation between basketball and football programs at the University of Kentucky. Through insightful discussions, listener interactions, and expert analysis, the hosts underscore the need for transparency and strategic financial planning to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of UK’s athletic programs.