NIL deals are the recent big thing in college sports. And rightly so, having brought an increased amount of fame and popularity to college basketball athletes. The Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson also shared her mind regarding missing on NIL deals that had a lot of fans in splits. Her reply to a journalist’s questions gave many a glimpse of why she felt that she wouldn’t have been able to handle the money-minting initiative.

Wilson appeared on the ‘Business Beyond the Game’ podcast on Friday. And she was questioned about missing the NIL deals and the money she would have made from it. 

No NIL advantages for A’ja Wilson 

The 2x WNBA Champion was quick to share her mind with honesty and hinted at some regret, but also divulged that she feels “blessed” despite not having her share of NIL. The reply only proved how Wilson was mature enough to understand what goes on behind NIL deals.

“Yeah, 100%. When it first came out I was like dang I definitely missed that. I would have capitalized on every opportunity that was coming my way in South Carolina. But at the same time I’m blessed cause there’s no way I would be able to handle that in college. I wouldn’t have been able to feel like myself. I would have felt like I’m just constantly working,” Wilson stated.

The NIL rule was passed in June 2021 as per NCSA College Recruiting and has helped athletes mint tremendous money despite being just in college. It has contributed to many stars coming to the fore including but not limited to the Louisiana State University Lady Tigers forward Angel Reese, the Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark, and the University of Southern California Trojans point guard Bronny James.

And who knows if Wilson could have broken evaluation records with her participation in the NIL deals. However, destiny had other plans since Wilson passed out from the South Carolina Gamecocks camp in 2018.

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Her popularity can be adjudged from the fact that she was an NCAA Champion in 2017 and bagged the Consensus National Player of the Year (2018). The South Carolina-born completed her college as the leading scorer for the Gamecocks. By January 2021, Wilson had her statue on the campus. Though she missed the party, Wilson has her own formula for signing brand endorsements.

How does Wilson sign brand endorsements?

Wilson shared that she likes signing on with companies “that allow me to be me.” She further enunciated that she is fond of companies that “work around” her. She also paid her gratitude to her agent “My agency and my agent does a great job of selecting people that are good for me.” 

Hopefully, now that Wilson has admitted that she doesn’t mind missing out on NIL deals and has backed her career with deals after getting into the WNBA circuit, fans can only expect her to make more swoon-worthy decisions. Plus budding athletes can learn a thing or two from her regarding inking major deals after she has let out the secret sauce.

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