NIL contracts “don’t just stop at university”

The implementation of name, image and likeness opportunities at the collegiate level has made headlines, but that doesn’t mean the companies working in this way with these athletes want to stop once their careers are over. completed university.

Just ask Angel Reese.

“I want people to know that contracts don’t just stop at college,” the Chicago Sky rookie said in an interview Thursday on Sports center (4:06). “When you go to the pros, it continues. I feel like they’ve grown even more. Now that I’m a pro, I can do a lot more.”

Reese became a household name while at LSU as she built a resume that included a national championship, SEC Player of the Year and multiple All-American selections. She was one of a handful of stars who helped increase the popularity of women’s college basketball with record television ratings last season.

And those record-breaking audiences didn’t stop, as millions watched the 2024 WNBA Draft as Caitlin Clark, Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Cameron Brink and others all heard their names called.

This type of continued interest surely encourages companies to maintain their partnerships with players, and Reese has secured sponsorship deals with Reebok, Beats By Dre and many others as she begins her WNBA career.

As for Clark, she agreed to an eight-year, $28 million contract with Nike after the Indiana Fever made her the No. 1 overall pick following her record-setting college career with Iowa, according to Rachel Bachman of Wall Street Journal.

Support off the court leads to extra attention on the court, and Reese began her WNBA career with Wednesday’s season opener.

While her Sky lost to the Dallas Wings 87-79, the LSU product showed her potential with 12 points and eight rebounds. She also plans to take on more frontcourt responsibilities while fellow rookie and teammate Cardoso is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Reese, Clark and other rookies will be in the spotlight this season, and the endorsement deals will surely keep coming as long as they live up to their potential on the field.