Kentucky basketball staffer who oversaw program’s NIL strategy reportedly leaving for new role

TJ Beisner, a member of the Kentucky men’s basketball staff for just over 2 years as the program’s director of player development, is departing “for a new opportunity”, according to Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones.

According to his bio on the Kentucky website, Beisner, who joined the university in August 2021, was a pioneering hire by John Calipari as he was “the first college basketball staff member in the country to oversee the program’s [NIL] strategy and execution”. He was also instrumental in the creation of Kentucky’s “Unity Series”, an annual series started in 2021 that will match the Wildcats up against SWAC programs.

Prior to his role with the Wildcats, Beisner worked with Jones at Kentucky Sports Radio, where he was an editor for their website. He also hosted the “Kentucky Sports Television” program. Afterwards, he worked with JMI Sports, which oversaw media rights for the Kentucky athletic program.

While Beisner doesn’t oversee the Wildcats’ on-the-court performance, his absence off the court will certainly be felt given his involvement with the teams’ NIL opportunities.

TJ Beisner is leaving his position (which included NIL and other management responsibility) with the UK Basketball team for a new opportunity

TJ started with KSR over 13 years ago and was a huge part of its early growth. We all wish him the best in his next stop!

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) September 4, 2023

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.