With Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark “Opening Doors” For NCAA Athletes, WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Reflects on Million Dollar Deals

Some may dismiss NIL as distraction, but many understand its value and importance for college athletes. Among them is a WNBA legend whose financial endeavors are prospering ever since she hung up her boots in 2009. Lisa Leslie is a passionate advocate of women basketball professionals and wants to help them grow, financially.

The lucrative NIL deals provided to college basketball players have skyrocketed their value in the marketing world. As a result, these college athletes like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark can earn millions before they are eligible to be drafted as a pro.

Lisa Leslie’s NIL take

Two-time WNBA champion Lisa Leslie put some light on the importance of NIL deals for professional players. The Hall of Famer said, “These women and men are getting paid so much money for their deals. Whether it’s cosmetics or outfits, they’re getting their Nike and other shoe deals early on when you’re in college. I signed my first Nike deal the first day after my last game. I had to be completely finished from being eligible in college before I could go pro.”

NIL is now an inseparable part of professional basketball. The college ballers have been amidst the hot picks for heavyweight brands to endorse their products. “These NIL deals usually apply in sports that are dominated by the African-American. You can’t get endorsement deals in other sports. The NIL really opens the door for so many athletes, especially athletes from the African-American community. There is no trust fund happening, they are the first millionaires ever in their family.”

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Many players in the NCAA have mammoth NIL valuations. Apparently, these superstars make more money through endorsements than what they earn through their college contracts.

Top NIL earners in NCAA

In women’s college basketball, the dynamic duo of Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson from the LSU Tigers occupy the top positions. The Bayou Barbie has an NIL valuation of $1.7M while the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year is sitting on $1.1M. The TCU Horned Frogs point guard Haley Cavinder is third on the list. The 2023 AP Player of the Year Caitlin Clark couldn’t make it to the top three and is fourth on the list with a valuation of $771K.

Moving on to their male counterparts, USC’s star guard Bronny James is at the summit with a valuation of $5.9 million. The No. 24 of the Austin Peay Governors Hansel Enmanuel is next on this list with $1.2 million. Closely following him is the five-star shooting guard of the Blue Devils Jared McCain touching the million mark. 

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Is NIL a necessity for today’s generation of college basketball players? This question has various responses. However, the money definitely motivates these players to push harder towards their goals. Additionally, it also defines these ballers and financially supports them.