THE WEEKLY REPORT

Good Morning!

NIL is evolving fast, and this week’s trends highlight just how big the opportunities are. Elite high school athletes like Ethan Holliday are landing major deals, college hoops stars are seeing explosive social growth, and UConn WBB continues to set the standard as the most marketable team in college sports. Let’s dive in.

— Jack Adler and Nick Zoarski

The NIL Boom Hits High School: Elite Prospects Are Signing Major Deals

The landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is rapidly expanding, now encompassing high school athletes who are securing significant endorsements even before graduation. This trend not only highlights the shifting dynamics in amateur sports but also underscores the increasing marketability of young talent.

Key Developments:

Ethan Holliday's Landmark Deal with Adidas: At 17, Ethan Holliday, a standout shortstop from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma and the projected top pick in this year's Major League Baseball draft, became the first high school baseball player to sign an NIL agreement with Adidas.

Brooks Running's Initiative: Seattle-based Brooks Running has expanded its NIL program to include high school athletes, signaling a deeper investment in nurturing young running talent.

Widespread Adoption of High School NIL Deals: Currently, 40 U.S. state high school associations permit students to engage in NIL agreements, reflecting a growing acceptance of monetizing athletic prowess at the high school level.

Diverse Brand Partnerships: High school athletes across various sports are securing endorsements from major brands:

• Kiyan Anthony: Son of NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan secured an NIL deal with PSD, an athletic underwear brand, at just 16.

• Kaleena Smith: A class of 2027 basketball star, Kaleena became the first high school women's basketball player to sign an NIL deal with Adidas.

• AJ Dybantsa: This basketball prodigy partnered with energy drink giant Red Bull months before turning 18.

• Bella Hines: An 18-year-old basketball standout, Bella entered a multi-year endorsement with Nike's Jordan brand.

As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, the involvement of high school athletes in endorsement deals is poised to become a significant aspect of the sports marketing ecosystem.

👉 High school athletes are landing major NIL deals. Talent agencies and brands—find the next big star on Out2Win today.

UConn WBB: The Most Marketable Team in College Sports

The University of Connecticut (UConn) women's basketball team has solidified its position as the most marketable program in college athletics, blending on-court excellence with unparalleled brand appeal.

Key Highlights:

• Dominant Out2Win Scores: UConn boasts an impressive team Out2Win score of 93, underscoring its exceptional marketability. Notably, nine out of the top ten players by Out2Win score in the Big East hail from UConn, reflecting the program's depth in talent and influence.

• Expansive Social Media Reach: UConn’s collective social media presence is formidable, with a total reach of 2.9 million on Instagram and 4.4 million on TikTok. This ranks number one, by far, among all other basketball teams, further amplifying their influence and attractiveness to potential sponsors.

• Star Power – Paige Bueckers: Leading the charge is Paige Bueckers, who has an Out2Win score of 97 and nearly 5 million followers across platforms. Her engagement rate stands at an impressive 13.5%, and she has secured partnerships with major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Madison Reed.

• Rising Influencers: Players like Aubrey Griffin, Azzi Fudd, and KK Arnold also shine, each with an Out2Win score of 93. Fudd also has nearly 500,000 followers and an 8.3% engagement rate, while Arnold has experienced over 400% follower growth in the past year, with her TikTok videos averaging 921,000 views.

In 2024, UConn WBB players have secured NIL deals with some of the biggest brands in sports, beauty, and collectibles. Paige Bueckers leads the way with partnerships including Nike, Gatorade, Madison Reed, Panini America, and Unrivaled, where she became the first NCAA athlete to receive ownership equity in a league. Azzi Fudd, Ice Brady, and Morgan Cheli also joined Madison Reed’s “Team ColorWonder” campaign, further expanding the team’s influence in the beauty space. These high-profile deals reinforce UConn WBB’s status as the most marketable team in college sports.

UConn's strategic emphasis on personal brand development, combined with its storied basketball legacy, has created a compelling platform for student-athletes to excel both on and off the court.

Rising Stars: The College Basketball Players Gaining the Most Followers This Season

Throughout the 2024-25 college basketball season, several women's players have experienced significant growth in their social media followings, reflecting their impressive on-court performances and increasing popularity. Here are some notable examples:

Jasmine Shavers, Texas Tech Red Raiders

Junior guard Jasmine Shavers has emerged as a leading scorer for the Texas Tech Lady Raiders, averaging 14.5 points per game and totaling a team-best 333 points this season. Her dynamic play, highlighted by a career-high 32-point performance, has significantly boosted her visibility and appeal among fans.

Phillipina Kyei, Oregon Ducks

Standing at 6'8", junior center Phillipina Kyei has been a dominant force for the Oregon Ducks, averaging a double-double with 12.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Her consistent performances, including 20 double-doubles this season, have garnered significant attention, contributing to her growing online presence.

Ruby Whitehorn, Tennessee Volunteers

Sophomore guard Ruby Whitehorn has made an immediate impact for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, recording multiple 20-point games, including a season-high 21 points against Texas. Her scoring ability and versatility on the court have resonated with fans, leading to a notable increase in her social media following.

These players exemplify how exceptional performances and engaging online personas can lead to rapid growth in social media followings, enhancing their marketability in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

👉 Want to spot the next breakout star? Use Out2Win to track the fastest-growing college athletes and discover rising talent before everyone else.

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