Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Kansas State and former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang have reportedly resolved their buyout dispute for $12 million. News Radio KMAN reported Oct. 1, 2026, that The Mercury confirmed the settlement with Kansas State; KCTV separately reported the amount, citing ESPN’s Pete Thamel, and said payments would run through the end of 2027. The signed agreement and an official university settlement announcement were not available in the sources reviewed, so those terms remain attributed to the reporting.

What the reports say about the settlement

KMAN described a $12 million settlement. KCTV also reported a $12 million agreement, attributing the amount and payment period through the end of 2027 to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel. Neither report, as summarized in the available materials, establishes an installment schedule or other payment conditions.

The reports use slightly different language: KMAN says the parties settled, while KCTV describes Kansas State as finalizing a settlement. The available public materials do not include the signed agreement, so they do not resolve whether any final administrative steps remained when the stories were published on Oct. 1.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How $12 million compares with the disputed buyout

KMAN reported that the buyout at issue was approximately $18.7 million. That figure is a reported contract dispute amount, not a court-determined entitlement established in the available materials. Comparing the two reported figures gives a difference of about $6.7 million, but that arithmetic alone does not establish the parties’ legal positions or the settlement’s other terms.

#1 Best Overall
Franklin Sports NCAA Uniform Set - Youth Medium - Kansas State Wildcats
  • KANSAS STATE UNIFORM SET: Kids love playing football and imagining that they’re the star of their favorite team. Now they can let their imagination come to life with official college-styled team uniforms
  • SHOW YOUR TEAM SPIRIT: These sets come in a variety of school uniforms from all the biggest conferences so you can let your child cheer on their favorite team!
  • INCLUDES A COMPLETE FOOTBALL PLAYER OUTFIT: This Franklin Sports College Deluxe Youth Uniform Set includes a helmet, jersey, pants, chinstrap and iron-on numbers so you can customize for your favorite player or lucky number
  • PERFECT FOR GAME DAY: No football uniform is complete without a helmet. Just know that it’s only for play and not to be used as an actual helmet! It has been modeled after real team helmets with official team logos for added authenticity.
  • GREAT FIT EVEN AFTER WASHING: Ideal for boys and girls ages 4-12, this kid’s football player costume retains its fit even after wearing and washing dozens of times. This team spirit football costume is great for game day, spirit day at school or Halloween

Why Kansas State parted ways with Tang

The dispute followed Kansas State’s 91–62 loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 11, 2026. KCTV reported that Tang criticized his players in a postgame press conference. Kansas State announced four days later, on Feb. 15, that it was parting ways with him, effective immediately.

In its announcement, Kansas State said the decision reflected Tang’s recent public comments and conduct and the direction of the men’s basketball program. Athletic Director Gene Taylor said, “This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program.” That is the university’s stated rationale, not an adjudicated finding about the contract.

Rank #2
Kansas State Wildcats | Official NCAA Merch | TDYKSU1 T-Shirt
  • SHOW YOUR SPIRIT: Stand out and show your dedication to Kansas State Wildcats with our high-quality, officially licensed merchandise. Perfect for every fan, this Kansas State Wildcats gear is designed to keep you stylish and game-day ready!
  • REP YOUR TEAM: Show your dedication to Kansas State Wildcats with officially licensed merchandise. Perfect for fans, this Kansas State Wildcats gear keeps you stylish and ready for game day!
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

Was Tang fired for cause?

Kansas State’s position in the dispute was that it had grounds to terminate Tang for cause, according to the reporting. That characterization should not be confused with a court ruling: the materials available here do not establish that a court decided whether the termination met the contract’s for-cause standard. The reported settlement describes a resolution of the buyout dispute, not a judicial finding on that question.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What Tang’s public contract announcement said

Kansas State’s Sept. 25, 2023 contract-extension announcement said Tang’s agreement ran through April 30, 2030. The university’s summary listed a $3 million base salary for 2023–24, rising annually to $3.6 million in 2029–30, plus four retention bonuses of $200,000 each. Those are terms from the public summary of the extension; they do not independently verify the amount or conditions of the later settlement.

Rank #3
Legacy NCAA Officially Licensed Baseball Hat, Kansas State Wildcats
  • Show your KSU Team Spirit: The Legacy Heritage Twill Adjustable (HTA) baseball cap has a structured 5-Panel mid-profile crown, slight curved visor, adjustable snapback closure, 100% cotton twill fabric, and officially licensed NCAA KSU Wildcats logo
  • Adjustable Fit for Comfort: This mid-profile, deepr fit structured baseball cap is designed for both men and women. Adjustable snapback closure ensures a custom fit. Slight curved visor, self-fabric sweatband and branded taping finish
  • Designed for Athletes & Fans: This baseball cap is made from 7.5oz 100% cotton twill fabric. Styled with a two-tone color palet, contrast button and eyelets, it's designed for wearing on or around campus, on the golf course or just everyday wear
  • Durable Raised Embroidery: Features 3D embroidery on the front panel using high-density polyester stitching for long-lasting strength and dimension. Officially licensed NCAA logo proudly showcases your favorite college team—great for true fans!
  • With over 30 years of expertise, Legacy delivers custom-decorated, officially licensed collegiate headwear, blending tradition, comfort and style for college fans nationwide. Live your Legacy in comfort and style
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What is known about a lawsuit or public court record

KCTV reported that Tang had not filed a lawsuit. That reporting does not establish that no confidential agreement or non-public record exists. The Kansas Judicial Branch explains that some court records may be exempt, sealed, or unavailable through its public online access, so the absence of an identified public filing is not conclusive evidence about every possible record.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Kansas State Wildcats | Official NCAA Merch | TDYKSU1 T-Shirt
Kansas State Wildcats | Official NCAA Merch | TDYKSU1 T-Shirt
Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
$21.89
Bestseller No. 4
Little King NCAA Toddler Touchdown Pass Football Jersey-K State #1-3T
Little King NCAA Toddler Touchdown Pass Football Jersey-K State #1-3T
Our NCAA Toddler Kansas State Jerseys are OFFICIALLY LICENSED by the NCAA
$48.99
Bestseller No. 5
Kansas State Wildcats | Official NCAA Merch | TDKNST02.B T-Shirt
Kansas State Wildcats | Official NCAA Merch | TDKNST02.B T-Shirt
Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
$21.89
Best Value
Kansas State Wildcats | Official NCAA Merch | TDKNST02.B T-Shirt
  • SHOW YOUR SPIRIT: Stand out and show your dedication to Kansas State Wildcats with our high-quality, officially licensed merchandise. Perfect for every fan, this Kansas State Wildcats gear is designed to keep you stylish and game-day ready!
  • REP YOUR TEAM: Show your dedication to Kansas State Wildcats with officially licensed merchandise. Perfect for fans, this Kansas State Wildcats gear keeps you stylish and ready for game day!
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #4
Little King NCAA Toddler Touchdown Pass Football Jersey-K State #1-3T
  • Our NCAA Toddler Kansas State Jerseys are OFFICIALLY LICENSED by the NCAA
  • MATERIAL-DURABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT and FASHIONABLE 100% POLYESTER. This Boys/Girls NCAA kids wildcats JERSEY with Official Team Colors and Logos will become an essential part of your little fan's gameday wardrobe
  • RUBBERIZED GRAPHICS ON FRONT AND BACK of this NCAA wildcats boys Football Jersey with V-Neck top- is a perfect way for little boys and girls to show their fandom. You provide the shoulder pads- we will take care of the rest. Gentle Wash-Hang Dry.
  • This TOUCHDOWN PASS Jersey features rubberized print on a 100% Polyester V-Neck-jersey with Nylon Mesh side vents for added comfort.. This CLASSIC-LOOK Jersey is the perfect gameday apparel for boys
  • Perfect Kansas State kids birthday Gift. TODDLER SIZING. Available in sizes 2T, 3T, 4T and YXS/6.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.