According to the 2013 edition of Forbes’ list of College Basketball’s Most Valuable teams, Louisville is worth $38.5 million dollars — the second straight year that the Cardinals have topped the list and an increase from the $36.1 million they were worth in 2012.

The team’s financial success is largely tied to the KFC Yum! Center, the waterfront arena that opened in 2010. The new arena had an immediate impact, driving ticket sales up 28% to $14.2 million and generating over $20 million in contributions to the team, an 84% increase from the prior year. Income from program sales, concessions, parking and other sources also increased by more than $2 million.

The Top 10 in Forbes’ ranking of College Basketball’s Most Valuable Teams is as follows: Louisville ($38.5 million), Kansas ($32.9 million), North Carolina ($32.8 million), Kentucky ($32.1 million), Ohio State ($23.1 million), Indiana ($21.8 million), Wisconsin ($19.8 million), Arizona ($19.5 million), Syracuse ($19.2 million) and Michigan State ($17.3 million).

Richard Pitino got his father Rick a special present to congratulate him on his 300th win at Louisville this past Monday: A signed picture from the hip-hop star...

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“I want to say it is true honor to write this to you,”

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Pitbull wrote on the photo in addition to lending his John Hancock.

Following Louisville’s 33–23 upset of Florida, Cardinals coach Charlie Strong exchanged a hug with the Gators’ Will Muschamp. Immediately after they parted ways, the cop assigned to Muschamp gave Strong a high five...

Apparently Tennessee went after Louisville coach Charlie Strong, but he reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Vols and will sign a lucrative extension to stay with the Louisville long term. Per Sports Illustrated...

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Louisville and Strong are finalizing a long-term extension that could be announced as early as Thursday. It’s expected to be a significant commitment in both years and dollars and will reportedly put Strong in the top echelon of coaches in the ACC.

The Louisville extension ends Tennessee’s courtship of Strong, who had one brief meeting on Sunday with Tennessee chancellor Jimmy Cheek in Louisville. That was Strong’s only direct contact with another university.

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According to the Birmingham News, Louisville coach Charlie Strong interviewed for the Auburn head coaching job...

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"Auburn has interviewed Louisville head coach Charlie Strong in one of its first moves to find a replacement for Gene Chizik.

The interview took place in the last two days, al.com has learned, according to someone familiar with the process."

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BUT, Pete Thamel of SI called up Charlie Strong to check in and tweeted this...

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"@SIPeteThamel
Just spoke to Charlie Strong. He's angry. He says he did not interview at Auburn and has not spoken to them. "It's not true."

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Hmmm...