Michigan Expects Men’s Basketball Roster to Top $10 Million Next Season

The coach frames rising spend as the cost of staying competitive in the NIL era.

Overview

Dusty May said in a Front Office Sports interview that Michigan anticipates spending well over $10 million on the 2026–27 roster.
Reporting pegged last season’s national title roster at about $10 million when combining university revenue-sharing with name, image and likeness deals.
May said players pushed that total higher with outside NIL income from autograph signings plus restaurant and hotel promotions.
He argued the outlay functions like marketing, pointing to 18.3 million viewers for the title game and millions more across the tournament run.
Industry estimates now place a competitive men’s basketball roster budget in the $10–12 million range for 2026–27.