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College Basketball Queen Caitlin Clark’s NIL Impact Trumps Arch Manning and Travis Hunter’s Influence

Published 03/28/2024, 10:00 AM EDT

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Thе risе of Namе, Imagе, and Likеnеss dеals in the NCAA has sparkеd both controvеrsy and unparallеlеd opportunity. Whilе critics scrutinizе thеir impact on thе purity of thе gamе, thеrе’s no dеnying thе sеismic shift thеy’vе brought; еspеcially for collеgiatе athlеtеs likе Bronny Jamеs ($4.9M) of USC Trojans baskеtball and Shеdеur Sandеrs($4.7M), thе Colorado football quartеrback—sons of lеgеnds LеBron Jamеs and Dеion Sandеrs, rеspеctivеly—scaling thе pinnaclе of NIL еarnings.

Yet, amongst the shining stars, a new luminary emerges – Caitlin Clark, the dynamic force of women’s basketball at Iowa, blazing trails on the court and in endorsement deals, and vaulting to the fourth spot in NIL valuations.

Caitlin Clark’s massivе NIL surgе surpassеs Travis Huntеr (CU) and Arch Manning (Texas)

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Clark’s rise to fame couldn’t have been better timed, coinciding with the NCAA’s landmark decision to allow athletes to profit from their image and likeness. With 11 known NIL deals worth a staggering $3.1 million, Clark reigns as the fourth highest-paid athlete, surpassing notable athletes like LSU’s Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. Her earning potential has skyrocketed, propelling her to the forefront of collegiate sports endorsements.

USA Today via Reuters

Among her high-profile partnerships, Clark’s collaboration with Nike stands out, aligning her with one of America’s premier brands. However, her influence extends far beyond footwear, with endorsements ranging from Bose and Buick to Gatorade and State Farm. Each deal contributes to her growing empire, adding to her personal wealth and the economic prosperity of her home state of Iowa. According to the Common Sense Institute (CSI) of Iowa, Clark’s presence has sparked a surge in consumer spending, totaling an astounding $82.5 million over the past three seasons.

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In fact, Clark’s impact has transcended the college basketball arena, as evidenced by her NIL net worth eclipsing that of two notable college football stars: Arch Manning of Texas and Travis Hunter of Colorado.

Arch Manning and Travis Huntеr’s NIL profilе

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Manning, who plays as quarterback for the Longhorns, has a valuation of $2.8 million and has secured the fifth spot in the On3 ranking. Manning’s earnings have surpassed those of established NFL quarterbacks such as Justin Fields, Nick Mullens, and Brock Purdy, who is the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and a contender for the NFL MVP title.

Watch: Travis Hunter’s Mother’s Priceless Reaction on Receiving a New House as a Gift From Her Son: “Oh My God”

On the other hand, Travis Hunter, the versatile player of the Colorado Buffaloes, boasts an estimated NIL net worth of $2.4 million. Hunter’s involvement in the 7-Eleven program and Cleat Crew has garnered significant attention. The Cleat Crew sells custom cleats, and the proceeds go to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Recently, the team presented a generous donation of $10,620 to the children’s hospital.

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Following his engagement to Leanna Lenee, Hunter has partnered with KFC to endorse their latest offering, the “Smash’d Bowl.” KFC is just one of many ventures for Hunter. His impressive list of endorsements also includes Leaf Trading Cards, Rock ‘Em Socks, Cheez-It, and American Eagle Outfitters. These lucrative deals underscore Hunter’s growing popularity and influence in both the sports and lifestyle industries.

Nick Saban’s $1 Million Allegations Overshadowed by Travis Hunter’s 5-Bedroom Home Upgrade for Mom

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Written by:

Arunima Guchhait

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Arunima Guchhait is an NFL journalist at EssentiallySports who was an important part of our Rose Bowl coverage. She enjoys capturing thе latеst lifеstylе updatеs of football greats, off-court storiеs, and other happenings in thе еxciting rеalm of sportainmеnt. She follows ‘Well Off Media’ and ‘Reach The People Media’ to keep up with Coach Prime and stay on top of all the training and off-court activities of Colorado Buffaloes.
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Edited by:

Tripti Sarda