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Michigan Forward Reveals Massive Kentucky NIL Offer
Yaxel Lendeborg says Kentucky offered $7-9 million, but he chose Michigan for long-term goals
Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:40pm
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Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg revealed that Kentucky offered him a massive NIL deal worth $7-9 million to join the Wildcats, but he ultimately chose to play for the Wolverines, prioritizing long-term career goals over the lucrative offer.
Why it matters
This story highlights the growing influence of NIL deals in college basketball recruiting, with top programs like Kentucky willing to offer massive sums to land elite talent. However, Lendeborg's decision to prioritize his long-term development over the money shows that some players are still focused on achieving their goals on the court.
The details
Lendeborg said Kentucky "started the number with $7 to 9 (million)" in their NIL offer, essentially telling him they would pay him anything to get him to join the Wildcats. Kentucky was not the only program pursuing Lendeborg, as Alabama, Auburn, and Ole Miss were also thought to be in the running. Ultimately, Lendeborg chose to play for Michigan, where he has had a standout season, being named Big Ten Player of the Year.
- Lendeborg made his decision to join Michigan prior to the 2025-2026 season.
- Lendeborg is currently competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament as a one-seed with Michigan.
The players
Yaxel Lendeborg
A forward for the Michigan Wolverines basketball team who was named the Big Ten Player of the Year for the 2025-2026 season.
Mark Pope
The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.
Dusty May
The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.
What they’re saying
“They started the number with $7 to 9 (million). They were pretty much going off on the route like we'll pay him anything to get here.”
— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Forward
“I was raised without it and I went my whole life without it. Anything was going to make me super, super happy at the time. I was thinking long-term. What if I mess up my career because I chased the money instead of a future? Another big reason why I went with Dusty was he didn't talk about money at all. It was all about making me better and helping me achieve my goals.”
— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Forward
What’s next
Lendeborg and the Michigan Wolverines will continue their quest for a national championship as a one-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
This story highlights the growing influence of NIL deals in college basketball recruiting, with top programs willing to offer massive sums to land elite talent. However, Lendeborg's decision to prioritize his long-term development over the money shows that some players are still focused on achieving their goals on the court rather than just chasing the biggest paycheck.
