College sports are changing fast, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding is suddenly a huge deal. Dan “Big Cat” Katz, one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable alumni, has been making noise about the university’s approach—or lack thereof—to NIL.
Katz, who works for Barstool Sports and co-hosts the hit podcast Pardon My Take, wants to help his alma mater stay competitive. He’s offered up his time, voice, and connections to boost Wisconsin’s NIL efforts, but he’s run into a wall of silence from the university.
Honestly, it’s a little baffling. Katz says he’s been ignored, his messages left hanging, and he’s feeling pretty frustrated about being left out of the loop.
The Struggles of Wisconsin’s NIL Funding
Wisconsin’s had a tough time raising enough NIL money to keep its athletics program humming. The school has fallen behind in paying players for their Name, Image, and Likeness, and people are starting to worry about the future of Badger sports.
Even men’s basketball coach Greg Gard has admitted that Wisconsin lags in the Big Ten for NIL funding. That’s a red flag—they need more support, and soon.
Katz’s Frustration and Plea for Involvement
Katz isn’t shy about his love for Wisconsin athletics. He’s made it clear he wants to pitch in, but he keeps running into closed doors.
He’s been pretty blunt about the lack of response from the athletics department. No callbacks, no real chance to help out—just silence.
*Use me. Exploit me. Have me do whatever you need to try to get money to put competitive teams on the fields and on the courts,* Katz said. You can feel how much he cares about the program, and it’s wild that his offer’s gone unanswered.
The Importance of Alumni Engagement
Alumni aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re vital for NIL success. Wisconsin’s got a long list of notable grads who could make a real difference if they were brought in.
But under Chris McIntosh, the last athletic director, outreach just wasn’t there. That’s left a lot of potential support untapped, and it’s hurting the school’s competitiveness.
Recognizing the Value of Successful Alumni
Wisconsin’s athletics department needs to see what’s right in front of them. Alumni like Katz, who have a huge platform and a genuine passion for Badger sports, could be game-changers.
*My plea to them has been, ‘Hey, I have the number one sports podcast, I’m passionate about the Badgers. I want them to succeed. Use me. Exploit me. Have me go and do fundraising. Have me do whatever you need to try to get money to put competitive teams on the fields and the courts, and they haven’t exploited me yet,* Katz said. It’s hard to believe they haven’t taken him up on it.
Potential Solutions and the Path Forward
So, what’s next? For starters, the university has to actually respond to alumni who want to help. It’s not rocket science—just pick up the phone, answer an email, and get people involved.
Building real relationships with alumni would open up new fundraising opportunities. It’s about working together, not just asking for checks.
Leveraging Media Influence
Katz’s media reach is massive. If Wisconsin teamed up with him, they could get the word out to a much bigger audience and maybe pull in more donors.
Bringing in other high-profile alumni wouldn’t hurt either. It could give their fundraising a real jolt and keep fans engaged.
Expanding Donor Pools
It’s not just about the big names, though. Wisconsin should be reaching out to local businesses, community groups, and die-hard fans.
Getting creative with fundraising could help build a more stable financial base for the long haul.
The Role of the Next Athletic Director
Whoever steps in as the next athletic director is going to have a lot on their plate. They’ll need to make alumni engagement a top priority, and actually invite people like Katz to the table.
Building those relationships is key if Wisconsin wants to keep its sports programs competitive and thriving. Let’s hope they figure it out before it’s too late.
A Collaborative Approach
Success with Wisconsin’s NIL operations? It’s really going to come down to everyone pitching in—alumni, donors, and the athletics department. They all need to actually work together, not just in theory but for real, if they want to get anywhere.
Alumni have resources and pull that could seriously boost Wisconsin’s NIL game. Tapping into that network could make a real difference for the sports programs.
Dan Katz’s call to the University of Wisconsin is a pretty clear reminder: alumni involvement matters a lot in the NIL era. If the school actually sees the value in folks who’ve already made it and brings them into fundraising, maybe they can get past some of these financial hurdles.
Want more on Katz’s push for Wisconsin’s NIL? Check out this article.
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