A billionaire Indiana University graduate played a crucial role in the Hoosiers’ historic College Football Playoff championship victory, according to a new report.
Mark Cuban, the former Dallas Mavericks owner worth an estimated $6 billion, provided the final funding needed to bring quarterback Fernando Mendoza to Indiana, he revealed in an interview with Front Office Sports for their Portfolio Players series.
The financial commitment came about during a December 2024 conversation between Cuban, Indiana Athletic Director Scott Dolson, and university President Pam Whitten at the school’s playoff opener against Notre Dame.
According to Cuban’s account, Dolson approached him about a quarterback prospect who would fit perfectly in coach Curt Cignetti’s offensive scheme, but the program needed additional resources to complete the deal.
“[Dolson]’s like, we’ve got this quarterback that we really, really like that we think would be great in (coach Curt Cignetti) Cig’s system, we just need a litttttle bit more,” Cuban explained. “I’m like, ‘How much is a little bit?’ And so he told me, and I’m like, ‘OK, you know, we’re on a roll, I’ll put up the money to get this quarterback.’”
Despite losing that initial playoff game to Notre Dame 27-17, Indiana bounced back the following season. The Hoosiers completed a perfect campaign by defeating Miami 27-21 in the championship game.
Cuban’s connection to the program extended beyond his alma mater loyalty. The 67-year-old businessman had previous ties to Cignetti and knew Mendoza’s brother Alberto, who also plays for Indiana and would chat with Cuban during Heat-Mavericks games as a Miami fan.
The additional funding helped Indiana outbid Cal for Mendoza’s services. While he earned $1.6 million at California, his Indiana contract was worth $2.6 million, according to Yahoo Sports reporting.
Mendoza’s performance justified the investment. He captured the Heisman Trophy and was subsequently selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in April’s NFL Draft.
While Cuban had previously donated to Indiana’s academic programs, his recent athletic department contributions mark his first venture into university sports funding. The entrepreneur maintains a hands-off approach with athletic director Dolson, a fellow Indiana alumnus.
“I just give Scott money, and it’s up to him,” Cuban stated. “We talk a lot, we talk about approach, understanding how to put together a team. Because I did it for 20-something years. So it’s not like I have to direct him to something specific. I understand how they’re approaching things.”
Cuban declined to specify his total athletic department investment, telling Front Office Sports only that university officials are “happier this year than last year.”
