In the NIL world, nothing is impossible. Louisville proved that statement true.
Source: Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad and Kansas big man Flory Bidunga have both committed to Louisville. A major package deal for the Cardinals, as the Louisville administration was aggressive in laying out a vision for building championship roster. pic.twitter.com/tyrIC0dZO0
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 12, 2026
Jackson Shelstad (Oregon) and Flory Bidunga (Kansas, No. 1-ranked portal player) both committed to Louisville for a MASSIVE amount of money.
Word around the streets is Shelstad and Bidunga got paid more than the total NIL budget for about 70% of teams in D1 last year. Allegedly $9 million for the two.
We keep saying this is unsustainable, and yet there is no end in sight. https://t.co/wpEJsXH0lz
— Dave (@SJUDave) April 12, 2026
A consistent talking point is that the money in a school’s NIL fund is not unlimited, but as we go from season to season, it seems the money players make consistently gets higher.
UConn’s Danny Hurley said it best: if you’re not a top lottery pick, what’s the advantage of going to the NBA early? Not money anymore.
“Players like Braylon, he’d probably make more money at UConn next year than he would if he’s the 15th pick.”
– @dhurley15 on retaining Braylon Mullins at UConn. pic.twitter.com/YPPOAixeaG
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) April 9, 2026
The Cardinals’ new expensive duo led to a lot of chatter online:
“You gave him how much? Alright, good luck fella” pic.twitter.com/tWzLxxWEld
— Aint No Seats Podcast (@AintNoSeatsPod) April 12, 2026
“Laying out a vision” pic.twitter.com/pttxcqY2z8
— An Auburn Man (@AnAuburnMan) April 12, 2026
Pat Kelsey in the transfer portal pic.twitter.com/c4JTxNvIxj
— Onyx (@OnyxOdds) April 12, 2026
https://t.co/qJLlLUWT2C pic.twitter.com/ZZMflTb4jH
— Trilly Donovan (@trillydonovan) April 12, 2026
Will the Louisville Cardinals win their first national championship since Rick Pitino led the squad in 2013* (Vacated)?
