University of Louisville Reconciling with Papa Johns' Founder After 2018 Split
Bradley said new discussions with Schnatter revealed more facts about the 2018 split, and UofL is also creating Cardinal Ventures to boost athletics revenue.
- The University of Louisville announced Thursday that it is reconciling with Papa John's founder John Schnatter, reversing its 2018 decision to cut ties. President Gerry Bradley recently met with Schnatter to discuss his desire to "re-engage" with the university.
- In 2018, the university severed its relationship with Schnatter after reports revealed he used a racial slur during a business call. The school removed his name from the football stadium and other campus programs, ending their naming-rights agreement.
- Bradley, who adopted a "Forward Together" theme for his administration, stated he learned new details regarding the 2018 events. He noted the university now "acknowledges the university would have approached the situation differently" based on current understanding.
- The Board of Trustees approved Cardinal Ventures, a nonprofit designed to modernize business operations for Louisville Athletics. Vice President and Director of Athletics Josh Heird said the entity "gives us the operational flexibility to grow revenue" and maximize brand value.
- This shift occurs as Louisville seeks to sustain athletic momentum under football coach Jeff Brohm and basketball coach Pat Kelsey. The university aims to leverage name, image, and likeness opportunities to help teams compete in the modern era of college athletics.
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Louisville Now Groveling For Piece Of Papa John's Founder's Pizza Fortune After Cutting Ties Over Racist Comment
Papa John's founder John Schnatter It’s been eight years since John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John’s, was forced to exit the company he founded after uttering a racial slur on a conference call. Louisville subsequently severed ties with the man who had been serving on its Board of Trustees, but the two sides are gearing up for a reunion that just so happens to coincide with a major push to return its athletics program to its former glory. J…
Papa John’s Founder Comments on University of Louisville Reconciliation
LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to today’s announcement from the University of Louisville regarding its reconciliation with Papa John’s International founder John Schnatter, Mr. Schnatter issued the following statement:
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