Breaking: NCAA Hits Badgers Basketball with Penalty for Rule Violation — Team to Pay Financial Penalty
Madison, WI — May 11, 2025
The NCAA has levied a financial penalty against the University of Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball program following an investigation into a violation of NCAA recruiting rules, the organization announced Monday morning.
The ruling comes after a three-month inquiry into improper contact with a high school recruit during a non-contact period earlier this year. According to NCAA findings, members of the Badgers coaching staff held unauthorized workouts and communicated with the athlete outside the permissible recruiting calendar.
While the NCAA found no evidence of improper benefits or academic fraud, it determined that the violation warranted a “Level II” infraction, which typically carries moderate penalties.
As part of the sanctions, Wisconsin will be required to:
Pay a $50,000 financial penalty
Reduce official visits by two for the 2025–26 recruiting cycle
Suspend one assistant coach for the first three non-conference games
Undergo additional compliance training
“We take full responsibility for this mistake and are committed to ensuring it doesn’t happen again,” said Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh in a press release. “We respect the NCAA’s decision and will implement the corrective measures immediately.”
Head Coach Greg Gard, who was not personally implicated in the violation, expressed disappointment over the outcome but emphasized that the program would “move forward with integrity.”
This marks the first NCAA infraction for the Badgers men’s basketball program in over a decade. Despite the penalty, the team remains eligible for postseason play and will not face any scholarship reductions.
The NCAA stated that it considers the matter closed, pending full compliance with the sanctions.
