COUGARS REPORT: BYU Locks In A.J. Dybantsa With Landmark 7-Year Extension Following Massive Pay Raise
Provo, Utah — In a move that has stunned the college basketball world and thrilled Cougar Nation, BYU has officially announced a groundbreaking seven-year contract extension with standout forward A.J. Dybantsa, securing one of the nation’s most electrifying young players for the long haul.
The historic deal, finalized late Friday night, comes after weeks of intense speculation following Dybantsa’s breakout sophomore campaign — a season in which he averaged 21.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while leading BYU to its deepest NCAA Tournament run in over a decade. The 6-foot-8 Massachusetts native had been courted by top programs and rumored pro opportunities, but in the end, Dybantsa’s heart remained in Provo.
“This is home,” Dybantsa said at Saturday’s press conference, flanked by head coach Kevin Young and Athletic Director Tom Holmoe. “The fans, the coaches, my teammates — they believed in me before the hype. I’m staying here because I want to finish what we started.”
The extension includes a substantial pay raise under BYU’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, with reports estimating the new deal is worth $2.4 million annually — making Dybantsa one of the highest-compensated athletes in collegiate basketball history. His NIL package includes endorsements, media rights, performance bonuses, and philanthropic incentives tied to community engagement.
Coach Young, who took the reins in 2024, called the extension “a championship-caliber move” for the Cougars.
“Talent like A.J.’s doesn’t come around often,” Young said. “He’s more than a scorer — he’s a culture-setter. His work ethic, leadership, and loyalty to BYU speak volumes. With this deal, we’re not just building a team — we’re building a legacy.”
Dybantsa, a former five-star recruit, stunned the recruiting world when he chose BYU over blue-blood programs like Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky in 2023. His commitment marked a turning point for the Cougars, who joined the Big 12 Conference and quickly emerged as a serious contender on the national stage.
With this extension, Dybantsa is expected to play out his collegiate eligibility — a rare path in the current one-and-done era. He cited his goals of winning a national championship and completing his degree in business administration as core reasons for staying.
“This isn’t about chasing the fastest road to the league,” he said. “It’s about building something real — for the school, the city, and for myself.”
The BYU fanbase, known for its passionate loyalty, erupted in celebration across social media. “He’s OUR guy,” one supporter posted. “A.J. choosing us again just proves this program is something special.”
Beyond basketball, Dybantsa has become a local icon, organizing youth camps and launching a new NIL-funded initiative to support underserved high school athletes in Utah County. His community ties have only deepened his bond with the university.
As the Cougars gear up for the 2025-26 season, expectations have never been higher. And with Dybantsa anchoring the program for years to come, one thing is clear:
BYU isn’t just competing anymore — they’re building a dynasty.
