Mark Coyle wants the money to speak for itself.
The Gophers have $20.5 million available for revenue-sharing payments to athletes in 2025–26, and athletic director Mark Coyle has devoted a larger share to men’s basketball — a program that hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2019 or the Sweet 16 since 1998.
“Like our fans, I’m frustrated that we haven’t had more success with our men’s basketball program,” Coyle said in a September interview with the Pioneer Press.
Exact revenue splits remain unclear, as schools aren’t required to disclose them. One estimate gives new head coach Niko Medved roughly 15 percent of Minnesota’s total, about $3 million. Football takes the majority — around 75 percent — leaving about $2 million for women’s basketball, volleyball, and men’s hockey.
The same pool also funds added scholarships in football and women’s sports like volleyball, hockey, soccer, softball, and gymnastics.
Coyle said revenue sharing was part of his discussions when hiring Medved from Colorado State in March. “Those conversations were very upfront,” Coyle said. “We wanted to invest a little more in men’s basketball to help jumpstart the program.”
A Roseville native, U alum, and former Gophers assistant, Medved said he felt encouraged by the athletic department’s commitment. “It’s kind of like, if not now, then when?” he said.
Only two players from Ben Johnson’s final roster remain, and nine transfers have joined. “Looking at the players he brought in, I think that revenue-sharing commitment helped,” Coyle said.
Other Big Ten schools appear to be following similar models. Iowa, with new coach Ben McCollum, is believed to have a comparable $3 million for men’s basketball, while Nebraska and Wisconsin devote about 75–80 percent to football.
Revenue sharing began in July, and Coyle said coaches haven’t raised major concerns. “I feel like we’re consistent with our Big Ten peers,” he said.
Next year’s total will rise 4 percent to $21.3 million. Coyle said leadership is determining how to distribute those funds for 2026–27.
Football coach P.J. Fleck said those choices rest with administration. “He’s got really tough decisions to make,” Fleck said. “That’s the athletic director’s job.”
Coyle has pushed for more transparency in revenue sharing, possibly through public data on player compensation. Medved added that the system still needs national standards for eligibility, transfers, and NIL rules. “We’re probably four or five years away from seeing where this all lands,” he said.
Now entering his first Big Ten season, Medved brings 12 years of head-coaching experience and three NCAA Tournament appearances from Colorado State. “We’ve come a long way,” he said. “Everyone understands the urgency. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”
Source: INFORUM
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