Nebraska Prioritizes Men's Basketball Program

New revenue sharing deal signals a shift in the university's approach to the sport.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The latest Nebraska basketball win is not against a ranked Big Ten opponent or accompanied by a court storming, but rather comes via a new revenue sharing deal that signals the university is treating the men's basketball program as a priority, writes Tom Shatel.

Why it matters

Nebraska's men's basketball program has long been overshadowed by the school's powerhouse football team, but this new revenue sharing agreement suggests the university is ready to invest more resources and attention into elevating the basketball program.

The details

The revenue sharing deal will provide the men's basketball program with a larger portion of the athletic department's overall budget, allowing the team to invest in better facilities, coaching staff, and player development. This shift in priorities comes as the Cornhuskers have shown signs of improvement on the court, raising hopes that the program could soon be competitive in the Big Ten.

  • The revenue sharing deal was announced on February 3, 2026.

The players

Nebraska

The University of Nebraska, a public research university located in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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What they’re saying

“This Nebraska basketball season is becoming more historic all the time.”

— Tom Shatel, Columnist

What’s next

The university will need to carefully allocate the additional revenue to ensure the men's basketball program can make the necessary investments to become a consistent contender in the Big Ten.

The takeaway

Nebraska's decision to prioritize its men's basketball program signals a shift in the university's athletic priorities, potentially paving the way for the Cornhuskers to become a more prominent force in the Big Ten and national college basketball landscape.