Flau'jae Johnson, Kentucky Basketball's New Coach, Panini Deal, + ICYMI | NIL Newsletter #228
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Quick Hitters:
Flau’jae Johnson Signs with The Athlete’s Foot
LSU star Flau’jae Johnson will not be playing in the upcoming Final Four, but only a day after the LSU season came to an end, Johnson announced a new deal with The Athlete’s Foot.
The Athlete’s Foot is a global retailer for streetwear, footwear, and apparel. Johnson already has a deal in place with Puma, which she sports outside of LSU team commitments.
As a brand ambassador for The Athlete’s Foot, Johnson will appear in “a series of brand initiatives, community engagements, and content creation endeavors.”
"I'm honored to join The Athlete's Foot as their 2024 Brand Ambassador,” Johnson said. “It's a platform where I can share my story, connect with others who are chasing their dreams, and blend my worlds of basketball and music. I’m excited to be a part of this partnership with TAF, and I hope to continue to inspire others.”
Kenny Brooks Sold on Kentucky, NIL Approach
After serving as Virginia Tech’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach for the past nine seasons, Kenny Brooks was announced as the Kentucky Women’s Basketball head coach last week.
Brooks had much to share about Kentucky’s NIL approach to recruiting and the portal.
“Last year, the NIL opportunities were not as abundant as they are now,” Brooks said. “It’s changed the way you recruit, it changes the way you have to have your philosophy, and it’s a very important thing. That’s one of those things that drew me to Kentucky, was the commitment through the NIL opportunities. Because you have to have it. We have a tremendous collective at Club Blue NIL. And I think that’s going to really help us be in the ballpark.”
“[NIL is] something that has really come to the forefront as I have gone recruiting in the portal now. That is a subject that comes up very very quickly in the conversation. Sometimes it’s the first thing.”
Panini Inks Six New Brand Ambassadors
Earlier this week, the McDonald’s All-American came took place in Houston. Taking part were six high schools recruits that recently signed exclusive deals with Panini America.
Carter Bryant (Arizona), Zoom Diallo (Washington), VJ Edgecombe (Baylor), Ian Jackson (UNC), Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn), and Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky), joined Tre Johnson (Texas) as Panini athletes from the 2024 recruiting class.
“We are excited to add these high performing athletes to the growing Panini family,” said Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations.
“Collaborating with this latest class of top basketball prospects emphasizes our commitment to celebrating young talent. We know fans will be excited to see their most memorable moments on Panini products throughout the next few years.”
ICYMI
Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart anticipates major changes in college athletics soon. LINK
Sprouts Farmers Market announced 8 new NIL deals, taking their total with female college athletes to over 150. LINK
Transcend Capital Advisors signed a multi-year NIL partnership with 16-year-old amateur golfer Gianna Clemente, #2-ranked golfer in the American Junior Golf Association. LINK
The NCAA deadline to respond to complaints from Tennessee and Virginia was extended to May 1. LINK
Have you checked out OSC’s website?
Head to www.OptimumSportsConsulting.com to find important resources and features relating to all things NIL. These resources include State by State Resources for Admins, Agents and Athletes, including our initial “OSC Summaries” for over a dozen states coming soon.
More to come too, including links to helpful state information- agency laws and information about school policies, as well as seminar/congressional notes, worksheets, and much more!