Trueblood Real Estate Joins Big Blue Nation as an Official Real Estate Partner of the Wildcats
LEXINGTON, Ky. – UK Athletics and the University of Kentucky Alumni Association (UKAA) today announced a new, multiyear partnership with Trueblood Real Estate that names the independent brokerage an Official Real Estate Partner of the Wildcats and the UKAA. The agreement arrives as Indiana-based Trueblood Real Estate expands its midwestern presence into the Kentucky market, providing an immediate connection to one of college sports’ most passionate and far-reaching fan communities.
“Whether it’s recent graduates planting roots, alumni returning to Central Kentucky or fans looking for another meaningful way to stay connected to Big Blue Nation, this partnership creates a valuable new opportunity for the University of Kentucky, UK Athletics and the UK Alumni Association,” said Heath Price, UK Associate Vice President for Partnerships. “Trueblood Real Estate understands the strength of this community and the important role we can play in serving alumni and fans during major life moments, including the purchase and/or sale of a home. We look forward to what’s ahead.
As one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing independent real estate brokerages, Trueblood Real Estate officially expanded into Kentucky at the end of 2025, bringing its technology-driven approach and strong agent culture to buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across the state. Through this partnership, the company gains meaningful visibility with one of college sports’ most devoted followings and a fanbase that spans the Commonwealth while extending well beyond it.
The connection to the UKAA adds another dimension to the agreement. Alumni are among the most likely to be actively navigating real estate decisions, whether planting roots in Kentucky post-graduation, returning home after time away, or investing in a market they know well. For the UKAA’s more than 51,000 members nationwide, this partnership means direct access to a real estate brokerage equipped with this exact expertise.
“Trueblood Real Estate is excited to expand into Kentucky and partner with one of the most premier athletic programs in the nation,” said Jim Trueblood, owner of Trueblood Real Estate. “UK’s tradition, passion, and commitment to excellence make this a natural fit for our organization, and we are proud to support collegiate athletics, connect with communities across the Commonwealth, and have some fun celebrating Wildcat success along the way.”
The partnership was developed through JMI Sports – the University of Kentucky’s multimedia rights partner, operating locally as UK Sports & Campus Marketing – and incorporates integrated media assets across UK Athletics and the UKAA. This includes brand presence at Kroger Field, Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, Historic Memorial Coliseum, and Kentucky Proud Park and digital exposure through UK’s owned channels, extending Trueblood Real Estate’s reach directly to alumni audiences through digital communication.
“Trueblood Real Estate is a great example of what this platform can do for a brand entering a new market,” said Brandon Baker, Vice President, Partnerships at UK Sports & Campus Marketing. “They now have access to one of the most engaged fan communities in sports, and that kind of immediate, meaningful reach is what makes UK Athletics and the UKAA such a compelling entry point for regional brands looking to establish themselves in Kentucky.”
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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
ABOUT UK ATHLETICS
UK Athletics is a leader in college sports, sponsoring 23 varsity sports teams (12 women’s teams, 10 men’s teams, plus the coed rifle team) and hundreds of student-athletes, competing for championships, ensuring their education and well-being, and providing opportunities for the present and future. The UK Athletics Department is shifting to Champions Blue, LLC. The non-profit holding company, a first of its kind in college athletics, is designed to provide the department with the flexibility to unlock new revenue streams through public-private partnerships and potentially other transactions, such as real estate. J Batt is taking over leadership as Champions Blue CEO and UK Athletics Director.
ABOUT TRUEBLOOD REAL ESTATE
Founded in 2018, Trueblood Real Estate is one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing independent real estate brokerages, serving clients across Indiana and Kentucky through a network of more than 250 agents. Headquartered in Fishers, Indiana, Trueblood has built its reputation on innovation, industry-leading marketing, and an unwavering commitment to client success. From cutting-edge digital strategy to personalized service at every price point, Trueblood is redefining the modern real estate experience – for buyers, sellers, and agents alike. Learn more at TruebloodRE.com.
ABOUT JMI SPORTS
JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company that provides management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and project management expertise for the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies.
JMI Sports’ signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships include the University of Kentucky, UCLA, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, Columbia University, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, University of San Diego, and joint-venture properties at the University of Georgia (with Learfield), University of Notre Dame (with Legends), and Northwestern University (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents multimedia rights for several conferences, including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Patriot League, and the Atlantic 10, and serves as third-party sales representation for premier sports properties, venues, and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Rose Bowl, the Penn Relays, and USA Volleyball.
JMI Sports was founded in 2006 by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres. To learn more, please visit jmisports.com.
