$14 Million NIL Payroll Signals New Era for UNC Basketball
Last Updated on June 12, 2025
After a turbulent season that ended with a narrow entry into the NCAA Tournament, North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis followed through on promises to reshape the Tar Heels basketball program. At the center of this transformation is a strategic push into the modern NIL and transfer portal era—headlined by hiring a general manager and a substantial increase in financial commitment.
According to Inside Carolina, UNC’s NIL payroll has surged to over $14 million this year—nearly three times what it was a season ago. The increase in funding coincides with the addition of Jim Tanner, a longtime NBA agent, who joined the staff as general manager. Tanner’s NBA ties and experience with player representation align with the growing demands of college basketball, where NIL deals, transfers, and international recruitment now dominate.
Based on figures from the UNC salary information database, Tanner is set to earn $850,000 this year. The entire staff’s compensation package could exceed $7 million, Inside Carolina reports. Meanwhile, Davis himself secured a two-year contract extension, signaling the university’s renewed commitment to bolstering the program’s infrastructure.
Recognizing the evolving landscape, Davis has been vocal about the need to modernize the program’s approach.
“The old model for Carolina basketball just doesn’t work,” Davis said earlier this year on the Carolina Insider podcast. “It’s not sustainable. It has to build out because there’s so many things in play with NIL, the transfer portal, agents, international players. You just need a bigger staff to be able to maintain things. You need a bigger staff so I can do what I’m supposed to be doing, and that’s coaching basketball.”
As part of the revamp, North Carolina is reloading its roster with both high school recruits and transfers. The Tar Heels secured the No. 15-ranked recruiting class nationally, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. Leading the class is Five-Star Plus+ forward Caleb Wilson, ranked No. 5 overall in the 2025 cycle by the On3 Industry Ranking.
In the transfer portal, UNC added five players, including former Arizona standout Henri Veesaar, who ranks No. 25 in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. The program also picked up international guard Luka Bogavac, further diversifying its talent pool.
The changes come after a 23–14 record in the 2024–25 season, which saw the Tar Heels sneak into the NCAA Tournament as the final team selected. They defeated San Diego State in the First Four but fell to Ole Miss in the first round.
With increased financial backing, expanded staff, and an upgraded roster, North Carolina is positioning itself to reclaim its place among college basketball’s elite.
