LeBron James’ Son Bronny Faces Stiff Competition as Shedeur Sanders’ NIL Valuation Spikes After Headlining Louis Vuitton Event

Name, image, likeness. Before 2021, these aspects in relation to a college athlete didn’t mean too much. But since a 2021 NCAA ruling, athletes’ NIL valuation has helped them profit from signing autographs and brand deals, selling merchandise, and monetizing their online following. For the longest time, LA Lakers star LeBron James’ son Bronny has been atop that list, well clear of everyone else. But now, it seems like Shedeur Sanders, the rising quarterback of the Colorado Buffaloes, is rewriting the NIL playbook.

There’s no doubt that carrying a well-established name works in college athletes’ favor. Bronny James is proof of that, and so is Shedeur Sanders, son of Coach Prime. Shedeur recently stole the spotlight in the Fashion Capital of the World, Paris, headlining the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2024 Fashion Show. This venture into high-end fashion, a dream for many seasoned NFL players, is now a reality for the young college QB.

Another Fashion Week outing could give Shedeur Sanders an edge over Bronny James

In a collection designed by LV’s Creative Director and Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams, the show catapulted Shedeur Sanders into a realm where athleticism meets runway glamor. Accompanied by his brother Shilo, they took Paris by storm and created waves not just as college football players but as style icons. Following their appearance, Shedeur’s NIL value soared to an impressive $4.7 million, experiencing a remarkable $647k surge in just a few days. But where does he stand in comparison to Bronny James?

Bronny James is the rising star of USC, and he has been topping the NIL chart from the very beginning. However, Jamеs’ NIL recently еxpеriеncеd a slight dip ($7.5k) to $5.8 million, according to On3, which means Shеdеur Sandеrs is mеrеly a million dollars away from surpassing thе baskеtball scion. While James’ NIL value faced a minor drop, Sanders’ online popularity skyrocketed.

The Buffaloes quarterback’s social media following experienced substantial growth, with a 76% increase on Instagram, a 22% increase on TikTok, and a 2% rise on X. Sanders garnered a total of 4.2 million new followers across all social media platforms. His rapid ascent in the college football scene, coupled with his father’s influence, has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in attracting lucrative sponsorship deals.

Needless to say, if Shedeur Sanders keeps making more appearances like the one at Paris Fashion Week, he could become the highest-valued athlete in the NCAA, surpassing LeBron James’ son. However, while Shedeur may have garnered fans from all around after his appearance, two particular people might not be fans of his fashion sense.

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Shilo and Deion Sanders united to pull Shedeur’s leg

When the Sanders brothers were in Paris, accompanied by Deion Sanders Jr., the eldest of the lot shot a video of Shedeur and Shilo bickering about their outfits. More specifically, Shedeur’s outfit, who was wearing an LV black and white chequered puffer jacket. Shilo mocked his brother, saying, “I could swing on you, and it’s not [going to] hurt.” Then came the conversation with Deion Sanders.

The brothers FaceTimed their father, and Deion jumped on the mocking bandwagon, asking Sheduer, “No, what are you, a trash bag?” Shilo said, “Dad, he’s losing himself, dog.” But the mocking didn’t stop there. The father-son duo pulled Shedeur’s leg for the LV bag he was carrying as well. Despite Shedeur Sanders’ questionable fashion sense (per Deion and Shilo), the quarterback is doing well for himself. With a net worth of nearly $3 million, he is a branding ambassador for companies like Gatorade, Mercedes Benz, Beats by Dre, Under Armour, and Tom Brady’s clothing line. 

Shedeur’s journey in college football is a testament not only to his on-field prowess but also to his strategic financial acumen through off-field ventures. The competition with Bronny James adds an extra layer of excitement to the evolving narrative of NIL valuation in collegiate sports.

Read More: “Tik Tok Is the Most Hateful Place”: Heated Argument Erupts Between Shilo & Shedeur Sanders Over Social Media Trolls