Xavier University’s men’s basketball program is preparing for a dramatic financial shift as the upcoming 2026‑27 season approaches, with a budget that has more than tripled and key player negotiations underway.
A budget that has more than tripled
Coach Richard Pitino disclosed that the program’s operating budget will exceed $14 million, a figure that represents a threefold increase over the previous year and reflects a substantial rise in the school’s NIL allocations.
Among the new investments, transfer guard Mike Nwoko will command the highest salary on the roster, underscoring the university’s willingness to front‑load compensation for high‑profile acquisitions.
Veteran forward Filip Borovicanin, who earned roughly $330,000 in Name, Image and Likeness revenue during his senior year, is also at the center of a legal challenge involving the NCAA’s five‑for‑five rule, with co‑plaintiff Malik Messina‑Moore.
Eligibility and roster planning
When asked whether Borovicanin would retain a scholarship if granted an additional year of eligibility, Pitino said he would keep all options open, though he stopped short of guaranteeing a spot on the final roster.
The coach also acknowledged that expanding the budget will be essential to accommodate additional scholarships and NIL agreements, emphasizing that cutting existing player compensation is not on the table.