UNC men’s basketball general manager Jim Tanner has signed a five-year contract, according to information released by the university on July 24.
Tanner, a longtime NBA agent who was hired by the Tar Heels on Feb. 25, signed his deal on July 23. WRAL’s Brian Murphy was first to report the news of Tanner’s contract information. According to a letter – composed on June 12 – extending an offer of employment, Tanner’s deal runs through June 30, 2030 and pays $850,000 annually. Following three years, the parties “agree to reopen the agreement for further good faith consideration” in 2028.The letter reveals Tanner became a UNC employee on March 17. In addition to being listed as the Tar Heels’ general manager, the letter also describes Tanner as the program’s “executive director.”Here’s a breakdown of what stands out about Tanner’s contract with the Tar Heels.
UNC basketball general manager Jim Tanner gets raise for NCAA Tournament, recruits
Five months after the announcement of his hiring and before his first full season with the Tar Heels, Jim Tanner has already earned a bonus.
A factor that came into effect on July 1, Tanner hit an incentive that raises his yearly pay to $950,000. According to the June 12 letter, Tanner receives a $100,000 raise depending on two factors: UNC makes the NCAA Tournament and/or UNC receives a signed commitment from at least one four- or five-star recruit.
So, Tanner has secured a raise before the Tar Heels tip off the 2025-26 season against Central Arkansas Nov. 3 at the Smith Center. By adding five transfers and a freshmen class headlined by five-star recruit Caleb Wilson, Tanner is set to make $950,000 in his first full season as general manager. If UNC makes the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four or national championship, Tanner is eligible for a bonus equal to two months of his current salary ($70,800).
With 54 NCAA Tournament appearances, only Kentucky (62) has more March Madness bids than the Tar Heels, who have played in a record 21 Final Fours with a record 134 tournament wins.According to the letter, Tanner also receives $30,000 for relocation to Chapel Hill, “including moving, house-hunting and temporary housing.” There’s also a courtesy car cost “to conduct university business,” with a vehicle allowance of up to $7,500 or use for a leased vehicle, with a four-door sedan or sport utility vehicle listed as options. Jim Tanner, Hubert Davis relationship in building UNC basketball budget
Following the announcement of Tanner’s hiring in February, fifth-year head coach Hubert Davis said “Jim’s experience and knowledge is needed in helping us navigate contracts, the transfer portal and the advancement of this program.”
Tanner signed a five-year, $850,000 annual contract.
Tanner is due a $100,000 raise for the 2025-26 season due to UNC securing a five-star recruit and making an NCAA Tournament appearance.
UNC men’s basketball general manager Jim Tanner has signed a five-year contract, according to information released by the university on July 24.
Tanner, a longtime NBA agent who was hired by the Tar Heels on Feb. 25, signed his deal on July 23. WRAL’s Brian Murphy was first to report the news of Tanner’s contract information.
According to a letter – composed on June 12 – extending an offer of employment, Tanner’s deal runs through June 30, 2030 and pays $850,000 annually. Following three years, the parties “agree to reopen the agreement for further good faith consideration” in 2028.
The letter reveals Tanner became a UNC employee on March 17. In addition to being listed as the Tar Heels’ general manager, the letter also describes Tanner as the program’s “executive director.”
Here’s a breakdown of what stands out about Tanner’s contract with the Tar Heels.
UNC basketball general manager Jim Tanner gets raise for NCAA Tournament, recruits
Five months after the announcement of his hiring and before his first full season with the Tar Heels, Jim Tanner has already earned a bonus.
A factor that came into effect on July 1, Tanner hit an incentive that raises his yearly pay to $950,000. According to the June 12 letter, Tanner receives a $100,000 raise depending on two factors: UNC makes the NCAA Tournament and/or UNC receives a signed commitment from at least one four- or five-star recruit.
So, Tanner has secured a raise before the Tar Heels tip off the 2025-26 season against Central Arkansas Nov. 3 at the Smith Center. By adding five transfers and a freshmen class headlined by five-star recruit Caleb Wilson, Tanner is set to make $950,000 in his first full season as general manager.
If UNC makes the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four or national championship, Tanner is eligible for a bonus equal to two months of his current salary ($70,800).
With 54 NCAA Tournament appearances, only Kentucky (62) has more March Madness bids than the Tar Heels, who have played in a record 21 Final Fours with a record 134 tournament wins.
According to the letter, Tanner also receives $30,000 for relocation to Chapel Hill, “including moving, house-hunting and temporary housing.” There’s also a courtesy car cost “to conduct university business,” with a vehicle allowance of up to $7,500 or use for a leased vehicle, with a four-door sedan or sport utility vehicle listed as options.
Jim Tanner, Hubert Davis relationship in building UNC basketball budget
Following the announcement of Tanner’s hiring in February, fifth-year head coach Hubert Davis said “Jim’s experience and knowledge is needed in helping us navigate contracts, the transfer portal and the advancement of this program.”
According to Inside Carolina, UNC’s 2025-26 roster has surpassed $14 million in financial commitment. In the June 12 letter, an “additional staffing” section describes the working relationship between Tanner and Davis:
“Upon consultation with the head coach of the UNC men’s basketball program, (Tanner) and UNC will negotiate in good faith the general managers’ annual budget, including funds to support compensation for basketball staff, such as additional director staffing, assistants and other support staff, in an amount commensurate with high-level programs.”
