When it comes to name, image, and likeness, most people only see the big time Division I athletes and the massive NIL deals they are making. So today, let's look at some out-of-the-box NIL deals that you definitely don't see every day. From the youngest NIL deal to a dog making an NIL deal, here are 5 interesting NIL deals to keep an eye on:
Rayquan Smith: Norfolk State
The running back from the Norfolk State football team and decathlete on the school's track team has earned over 70 NIL deals in his collegiate career. His deals have ranged from $50 to $10,000 and his net worth has reached over five figures. Rayquan Smith jumped right into the world of NIL deals and is taking advantage of every opportunity that comes his way.
Related: Cashing in: Ranking the Top NIL Deals In History
Patton Green: Sunday Golf CO
A 6-year-old golf prodigy signed with Sunday Golf CO for the youngest ever NIL deal. With this deal, Patton Green can continue his golfing career while at the same time earning the benefits from NIL. As NIL keeps getting bigger, this deal opens up so many more opportunities for all different types of people to take advantage of what NIL has to offer.
Bronny James: Beats By Dre
18-year-old Bronny James, son of the iconic Lebron James, signed with Beats By Dre for their first ever high school NIL deal. This deal allows for Bronny and Lebron James to star in commercials and other advertisements together for the brand.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
Trey and Blue Knox: PetSmart
The Arkansas wide receiver and his husky, Blue, both signed PetSmart's first college sports NIL deal. The athlete-doggy duo uses this NIL deal with content on social media and behind-the-scenes videos. This is another way that NIL keeps getting bigger and bigger–it is reaching all different ranges of people (and dogs, apparently).
Related: Girl Power: The Top 5 NIL Earners in Women's College Sports
BYU Football: Built Bar
Built Bar teamed up with the entire BYU football team (136 players) to allow for players to earn up to $1,000 for promoting the protein bars. They even paid for the tuition of all BYU walk-on players. This deal opens up so many opportunities for the BYU football team and shows that you don't have to be a star player to make a profit off of NIL. It even gives an opportunity for walk-on players to get a free education and make money off of their sport at the same time.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Email us at [email protected]
Image Credit: Twitter/ Built Bars
* Originally published on April 18, 2023, by Bella Nevin
