When Kansas decided to trade a home game in Lawrence for a showdown in the Union Jack Classic against Arizona State in London, the move was touted as a financial win by athletic director Travis Goff. Now, the numbers are in, and they paint a lucrative picture for the university.
Kansas will receive a hefty $2.7 million for participating in the game at Wembley Stadium. This payout, detailed in the contract obtained through the Kansas Open Records Act, also covers a wide array of travel expenses for the Jayhawks.
We're talking charter flights, hotel stays, transportation, meals, security, and even laundry. It’s a comprehensive package that ensures the team is well taken care of across the pond.
This historic match on September 19 marks the first power-conference football game ever to grace the UK. Kansas isn’t the first to make such a move, though. Kansas State played Iowa State in Ireland last season, pocketing $2.25 million for their efforts.
Goff highlighted 2026 as the perfect year for this international venture. The Jayhawks will still host six home games in Lawrence, thanks to an otherwise packed schedule of seven. Plus, with ongoing construction reducing capacity at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the $2.7 million payout is a significant boost compared to what a reduced-capacity game might have brought in.
Kansas has already received $1.2 million of the total sum, with installments of $200,000 upon signing the contract and $1 million on March 1. The final $1.5 million is set to arrive by September 1, just weeks before kickoff.
The Union Jack Classic isn’t just about the game day experience. KU’s contract includes promotional visits, with head coach Lance Leipold, the Director of Athletics, and other key figures set to visit London for promotional activities. Leipold has plans to be in London in late April, right after the team wraps up spring practice.
Kansas has promotional duties under the deal, including distributing an electronic event brochure and leveraging social media to hype the event. Leipold himself is encouraged to promote the game on his social channels. Recently, he shared a post from defensive tackle Blake Herold about the Classic.
There’s also potential for players to benefit from name, image, and likeness opportunities tied to the event.
Should either KU or the event promoter decide to withdraw (barring extraordinary circumstances), a $2.25 million penalty looms.
While some game details remain under wraps, like the broadcasting network and game time, it’s clear this event is set to be a highlight of Week 3. Unlike other international games that kick off in the quieter “week zero,” this matchup will compete for attention during a bustling football week.