LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Mark Pope’s contract with the University of Kentucky is now official.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that eight weeks after he was officially announced, all major parties have signed off on UK’s new men’s basketball coach.

The five-year deal is worth $27.5 million. That’s about 5.5 million per year.

He can get bonuses, depending on how the Cats play.

If the team advances to the Sweet 16, his contract will automatically be extended for an additional season, with $250,000 added to his salary for each extra year as long as there are no more than five seasons remaining on the contract at that time.

If he’s fired before the 2028/2029 season, UK would owe him 75% of what’s left in the deal.

If he opts out early, he’ll owe up to 33% of the deal.

The percentage depends on whether Mitch Barnhart is still the Athletic Director.

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