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The Crosstown Shootout may be won by the highest bidder | Opinion
TL;DR
The Crosstown Shootout between Xavier and UC may be determined by which school spends more, with both programs reportedly investing $25 million in basketball talent this season. This reflects the increasing professionalization of college basketball.
Key points
- Crosstown Shootout may be won by highest bidder
- Xavier and UC spending $25 million on basketball talent
- Xavier increased budget after undercapitalization
- Professionalization of college basketball is evident
- Xavier acquiring talent from Europe
Mentioned in this story
Xavier UniversityUniversity of Cincinnati
Crosstown Shootout
Cincinnati sports fans donât usually start talking about the Crosstown Shootout until Thanksgiving. However, today, we already know something important: now that both Xavier and UC have finished constructing their rosters through the transfer portal, the winner may be the school that spent the most money.
Between them, the two programs will reportedly spend $25 million on basketball talent this season.
More: Xavier basketball has tripled budget for 2026-27 roster | Report
The professionalization of college hoops
Xavier tried to compete in the Big East with a $5 million to $6 million roster and discovered that it was undercapitalized for the modern marketplace. The university increased its NIL payroll into the low to mid-teens and began acquiring professional talent from Europe.
They signed RubĂ©n DomĂnguez, a 24-year-old seasoned professional with MVP honors in international European competition. Heâs not a recruit. Heâs an acquisition â a fully formed professional player who will now wear a Xavier jersey. This is what the market rewards now: age, experience, and immediate production, not long-term potential.
UC took a different approach. After firing Wes Miller, the university hired Jerrod Calhoun as a turnaround specialist and reportedly backed him with a NIL budget exceeding $10 million. UC rebuilt its roster with veteran players capable of surviving the week-to-week grind of the Big 12.
Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun walks into the arena to cheers during a press conference announcing him as the head men's basketball coach at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Q&A
How much are Xavier and UC spending on basketball this season?
Xavier and UC are reportedly spending a combined total of $25 million on basketball talent this season.
What factors are influencing the Crosstown Shootout outcome?
The outcome of the Crosstown Shootout may hinge on which school has the higher spending on talent, reflecting the professionalization of college basketball.
Why did Xavier increase its basketball budget?
Xavier increased its basketball budget after realizing its previous $5 million to $6 million roster was undercapitalized for competing in the Big East.
What changes has Xavier made to its roster strategy?
Xavier has increased its NIL payroll and started acquiring professional talent from Europe to enhance its roster.
