
via Imago
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) celebrates after a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

via Imago
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) celebrates after a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
“It was an easy decision,” Otega Oweh said about transferring to Kentucky. On April 27, 2024, the speculations around one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal were put to rest. The former Oklahoma star guard was to play for the new Wildcats coach.
He originally played football, like his older brother Odafe Oweh, who’s now in the NFL. But heading into high school, Oweh shifted his focus to basketball. “I just loved it more,” he said. “I wasn’t really interested in football as much.” That decision paid off. A four-star recruit, Oweh ranked No. 70 overall and No. 5 among shooting guards in the Class of 2022, according to 247 Sports Composite.
After two seasons at Oklahoma, where he showed flashes of his potential, the 6’4″ guard turned out to be a star under Mark Pope, leading his team in scoring through his first season there. Pope had brought in 13 new players that offseason. But only five had Power 5 experience — and Oweh was one of them. His athleticism and scoring ability made him a key piece in Kentucky’s rebuild.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Oweh’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed off the court either. He’s already landed some endorsements, and his growing net worth reflects his increasing value as one of college basketball’s rising stars.
What Are Otega Oweh’s NIL Deals as of 2025?
Otega Oweh’s journey through college basketball isn’t just about his play on the court. He’s landed some notable brands!
The star guard first signed with the Crimson and Cream collective back in October 2022. The Oklahoma collective had just launched, and the whole of the Sooner basketball roster was signed in its first major move. “We’re planning on being able to bring opportunities to student-athletes through multiple funnels. But our main focus will be heavily on the commercial side, where there’s no cap on earning potential for student-athletes,” Student Athlete NIL CEO Jason Belzer had assured.
Then, in March 2024, Oweh partnered with the Young Family Athletic Center, adding another layer to his growing profile. A few months later, following his transfer to Kentucky, he added Club Blue to the list in May 2024. The platform allows businesses and fans to engage with UK athletes and programs via NIL initiatives. Moreover, Club Blue’s On3 profile reveals, 100% of subscriber and donor proceeds directly support UK Athletics’ NIL efforts.
So, while exact figures on Oweh’s NIL earnings aren’t widely publicized, it is likely that the guard was receiving a good sum.
What’s your perspective on:
Did Otega Oweh make the right call leaving Oklahoma for Kentucky's spotlight and NIL opportunities?
Have an interesting take?
Which high school did Otega Oweh attend?
Oweh attended Blair Academy in New Jersey, where his game really took off. The guard averaged 14.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.9 assists per game as sophomore but the breakout moment? At EYBL.
He helped his team win the Peach Jam Championship and ended up winning the Breakout Player of the Tournament honors for his performance. He had put up 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.3 assists per contest. That showing helped him land a four-star ranking — No. 70 overall and No. 5 among shooting guards in the Class of 2022, according to 247 Sports Composite. The star guard credits his brother for the inspiration, and pushing his to do better, but his parents, who immigrated from Nigeria, instilled the resilient mentality when young.

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Otega Oweh (3) gestures towards Iowa State Cyclones guard Tamin Lipsey (3) after Oklahoma Sooners guard Le’Tre Darthard (0) scored a three point basket during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
“You come here, you work hard, and you make it, and so that was what we projected,” his mother Tania told ESPN in 2021. “That’s what we believed would be the pathway for us, and ultimately, our kids.”
Absolutely running the show in Kentucky in 2025, few words of praise were bound to come from Mark Pope. “Otega’s a microcosm of our whole team,” he says.
With his rising profile at Kentucky, his net worth is only set to grow as the NIL deals keep rolling in.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What is Otega Oweh’s net worth and salary?
“The history is so rich. The plan that Coach Pope has for the program, I was intrigued with it. At the end of the day, I want to be a pro and this is one of the best places to do it. It was a no-brainer,” Oweh said via Kentucky Today.
Oweh’s decision to transfer to Kentucky wasn’t just about basketball — it was a strategic move to elevate his career. At Kentucky, he’ll have a chance to grow his game and increase his visibility, which could open doors to more NIL deals and a bigger financial future.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Born in 2003, Oweh has already made an impact with his earning potential. While his exact net worth isn’t public, athletes at his level, especially at powerhouse programs like Kentucky, NIL collectives are expected to offer upto $500k. Reports in December 2024 revealed the UK Athletic department made just over $11 million from their collectives in the 2023-24 fiscal year. That suggests a good earning.
Given Oweh’s talent and the spotlight at Kentucky, his daily pay is only expected to rise.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
Did Otega Oweh make the right call leaving Oklahoma for Kentucky's spotlight and NIL opportunities?