Kentucky secures Momcilovic with reported $6 million NIL deal

The University of Kentucky has secured the commitment of forward Milan Momcilovic, ending a high-stakes recruitment period in which the Wildcats emerged victorious over Louisville. The announcement, made late on Monday night, marks a significant consolidation of talent for head coach Mark Pope, who has been actively restructuring the roster to enhance depth and length.

According to reports from On3, KSR, and CBS Sports, Momcilovic’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) value is estimated at approximately $6 million. This figure represents a substantial increase from the $2 million he reportedly earned during his tenure at Iowa State last season, although it falls short of earlier media speculation that placed his market value between $7.5 million and $8 million.

On3’s Pete Nakos reported the valuation to be just north of $6 million, a figure echoed by CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, who stated the deal is in the neighbourhood of $6 million. KSR’s Matt Jones provided a slightly higher estimate of around $6.5 million. The convergence of these reports suggests the Wildcats secured a key asset at a price point that many analysts view as a favourable outcome compared to initial projections.

Momcilovic, a 6-foot-8 native of Wisconsin, arrives with a proven offensive track record. During the previous season at Iowa State, he averaged 16.9 points per game while shooting 50.6 per cent from the field and 48.7 per cent from three-point range. His addition is expected to serve as a primary difference-maker for the Wildcats’ 2026-27 campaign.

The recruitment of Momcilovic addresses a critical need for Pope, who has focused on acquiring high-motor players with shooting capabilities. By beating out Louisville for the forward, Kentucky has solidified its position in the 2026 offseason landscape, securing a player whose on-court production aligns with the program’s strategic goals.