KSR - Hour 1 (August 8, 2025) Summary

Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR Crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio delves deep into significant developments in UK sports, insightful discussions on the SEC schedule, and engaging interactions with listeners.

1. UK’s Extended Nike Partnership

Drew Franklin kicked off the main segment by unveiling a major update on Kentucky's partnership with Nike. According to the latest information from John Hale of the Herald Leader:

• Previous Deal: Kentucky received $1.8 million annually with an additional $1.7 million bonus.
• New Deal: The partnership has been extended for 10 years, increasing annual payments to $7 million and introducing a 15% revenue share from all merchandise bearing the Wildcats logo.

Notable Quote:

Drew Franklin [05:58]: "In the new deal with Nike, how much does Kentucky get paid a year to wear the Swoop and to have all of its gear made by Nike? 56 million a year."

Franklin highlighted that this new structure significantly boosts Kentucky’s revenue compared to competitors:

• Ohio State receives $25 million annually from Nike.
• Louisville, partnered with Adidas, nets $16 million per year, surpassing Kentucky’s original Nike deal.

Shannon The Dude chimed in with an initial $15 million guess for the new deal, showcasing the high expectations surrounding this partnership.

Impact on Recruiting: The enhanced deal underscores Nike's commitment to UK as a premier basketball school, potentially influencing top-tier recruits to choose Kentucky over other brands like Adidas or Under Armour. The crew debated the brand loyalty among players, emphasizing Nike's stature in athletic wear as a key recruiting tool.

Notable Quote:

Shannon The Dude [10:00]: "What do I care what the logo is? [...] I just look at it this Crowd. All of you pretty much have something on the gear that says Kentucky on it."

2. SEC Schedule Balancing Act

The hosts shifted focus to the SEC's latest scheduling adjustments, noting a newfound balance aimed at enhancing fairness and viewership:

• Balance Achieved: Each team now has five Saturday home games and five road games, with an equal distribution of 9 o'clock prime-time slots.

• Fan Experience: Drew Franklin expressed satisfaction, highlighting improved scheduling for local businesses and fans:

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin [15:58]: "The SEC put out an announcement yesterday. They tried to balance it wherever coaches have complained. Every team has five Saturday home games, five road games."

Shannon The Dude appreciated the shift, particularly the reduction of late-night games that previously posed challenges for fans traveling from Lexington.

Impact on Team Performance: Franklin analyzed Kentucky's balanced schedule, predicting:

• Home Games: Easier opponents leading to a stronger overall record.
• Road Games: More challenging matchups potentially capping the maximum win record.

Notable Quote:

Drew Franklin [16:25]: "But I continue to think, man, we have all of our hard games on the road and all of our easy games at home which I think makes it hard to hit the ceiling of a record we want."

3. The Evolving Landscape of College Sports Branding

The conversation delved into the broader implications of branding in college sports, particularly focusing on how financial incentives from brands like Nike and Adidas influence team dynamics and player decisions:

• Brand Loyalty vs. Financial Gain: While Nike continues to secure high payments and brand prestige, competing brands leverage financial incentives to attract players and enhance team performance.
• Player Influence: The hosts discussed how deals impact player satisfaction and performance, citing players like Tyron Stokes whose brand affiliations could sway team loyalties.

Notable Quote:

Drew Franklin [12:11]: "I think you would in basketball. I don't. I don't know if it makes any differ football, but I think in basketball, there are guys we would not have gotten over the years, especially when Cal was here."

4. Listener Interactions and Engaging Discussions

Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon facilitated interactive segments with listeners, addressing diverse topics ranging from unusual cemetery developments to the personal choices of athletes:

• Cemetery Controversy: A listener raised concerns about "paving over cemeteries," sparking a discussion on historical burial practices and modern regulations.

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin [23:03]: "There is part of the fan base that has not moved on. They've brought it up this week when we have a post about."

• Reality Show Buzz: The crew discussed Randall Cobb’s appearance on the reality show "Special Forces", highlighting its potential impact on his public image and connection to Kentucky sports.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude [30:10]: "They call it the world's toughest test."

• Player Transfers: The hosts debated the ethics and sentiments around cheering for former Kentucky athletes who transfer to other schools, balancing personal loyalty with professional sportsmanship.

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin [48:01]: "I will root for people from Kentucky, not just because I know Dane, but same with Travis."

5. Forecasting the Season Ahead

The crew provided their insights and predictions for the upcoming sports season, focusing on both football and basketball:

• Football: Emphasis on key upcoming games, potential for national championships, and the strategic importance of maintaining an undefeated home record against formidable opponents like Mississippi State and Georgia.

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin [17:38]: "The most important thing is just not slipping up at home with the schedule."

• Basketball: Reflecting on past successes, they expressed cautious optimism about the team's potential, acknowledging the challenges posed by a more balanced and competitive schedule.

  Notable Quote:

  Ryan Lemon [14:31]: "The brand you wear makes a huge difference, especially the players you have now and the players you're recruiting."

6. Community and Fan Engagement

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasized the importance of community support and fan engagement, highlighted by live interactions from the Shady Rays store in Lexington:

• Shady Rays Promotions: Ongoing promotions, including 50% off sunglasses and giveaways, were discussed, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between local businesses and the sports community.

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin [22:12]: "Shady Rays has the best sunglasses, premium polarized shades. They're an American-owned company right here in Kentucky."

• Fan Participation: Listeners were encouraged to participate via phone lines and text messages, fostering a sense of inclusion and direct communication with the hosts.

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin [25:27]: "How many of you are... Actions are going on in this world that we have no idea about until you start."

7. Additional Highlights

• Cemetery Stories: An intriguing segment where listeners shared eerie stories about cemeteries being repurposed, including urban legends involving high-profile figures.

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin [23:03]: "What has happened at former cemeteries where they were pictures of like, there's an airport that has two runways and then two graves in the center of it."

• Reality TV Excitement: The introduction of Randall Cobb on "Special Forces" and its potential to elevate his public persona was met with optimistic anticipation from the hosts.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude [30:20]: "He is going to win this thing."

Conclusion

This episode of KSR provided a comprehensive look into Kentucky's strategic partnerships, the balancing act within the SEC, and the passionate engagement of the sports community. Through insightful discussions, listener interactions, and real-time promotions, Matt Jones and the KSR crew ensured a dynamic and informative broadcast for all Kentucky sports enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Drew Franklin [05:58]: "In the new deal with Nike, how much does Kentucky get paid a year to wear the Swoop and to have all of its gear made by Nike? 56 million a year."
• Shannon The Dude [10:00]: "What do I care what the logo is? [...] I just look at it this Crowd. All of you pretty much have something on the gear that says Kentucky on it."
• Drew Franklin [15:58]: "The SEC put out an announcement yesterday. They tried to balance it wherever coaches have complained. Every team has five Saturday home games, five road games."
• Drew Franklin [17:38]: "The most important thing is just not slipping up at home with the schedule."
• Ryan Lemon [14:31]: "The brand you wear makes a huge difference, especially the players you have now and the players you're recruiting."