Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is facing online criticism after making his first-ever donation to Indiana football during the most successful season in program history, with some fans labeling the alum a “bandwagon” supporter.
Cuban was on the sideline for Indiana’s dominant College Football Playoff Peach Bowl victory over the Oregon Ducks, a win that sent the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship game. Following the semifinal win in Atlanta, Cuban had a message about the Hoosiers advancing. “We ain’t done yet,” he said while celebrating with players and coaches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Days later, Cuban confirmed he had donated to Indiana football after previously giving millions to academic programs and other areas of the university. The timing sparked backlash on social media, with critics questioning his absence during the program’s lean years.
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Some fans pointed to Indiana’s 2-10 season in 2021 as evidence Cuban’s support arrived only after national relevance.
Mark Cuban, on Indiana Hoosiers making the @CFBPlayoff title game.
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) January 10, 2026
“We ain’t done yet” pic.twitter.com/vZMq29lYCs
But many supporters argued the criticism misses the point. Cuban spent decades building his fortune and has long been cautious about athletic spending, previously expressing concern over costs that could affect tuition. His recent change of heart, he said, came after conversations with Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, whose rapid turnaround of the program helped reshape Cuban’s view.
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While the exact dollar amount of Cuban’s contribution has not been disclosed, it is expected to significantly boost Indiana’s NIL efforts. And he is far from alone. University officials and boosters acknowledge a growing wave of wealthy alum ready to invest as Indiana chases the unthinkable.
💰🔴⚪️ “I’m not just giving money so you can bid the highest — you have to know how to build a team.
— Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) January 12, 2026
But I’ll put it this way…with that money…you’re buying Kilroy’s.”
Mark Cuban on his huge NIL donation, why it grew this year, IU’s approach to building a team, and how he was… pic.twitter.com/jClMqAsNik
Bandwagon or not, Cuban’s timing coincides with a historic run, and his money, like the Hoosiers themselves, is unlikely to go unnoticed.
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