NIL

Sky sees Lions brand power and viewership as key to longstanding broadcast deal

Sky Sports has broadcast the Lions since 1997 Broadcaster will air all nine games from 2025 tour to Australia Sky has ditched several major rugby competitions in past decade Sky Sports says the brand power of the British & Irish Lions coupled with impressive viewing figures are the reason it continues to broadcast the quadrennial […]

Published

2 months ago

May 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Sky Sports has broadcast the Lions since 1997
Broadcaster will air all nine games from 2025 tour to Australia
Sky has ditched several major rugby competitions in past decade

Sky Sports says the brand power of the British & Irish Lions coupled with impressive viewing figures are the reason it continues to broadcast the quadrennial rugby union tour, despite downsizing its coverage of the sport in recent years.

The Lions are one of rugby union’s most valued traditions, with a team comprising English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh players touring Australia, New Zealand or South Africa every four years.

Sky Sports has been the UK broadcaster for the past seven Lions tours, starting with South Africa in 1997. It will reprise its role for this summer’s tour of Australia, broadcasting all three test matches against the Wallabies, as well as six warm-up games against local and invitational sides.

The tour will be a flagship event on Sky’s summer schedule despite the broadcaster largely retreating from rugby union in the past decade, having previously shown England’s Premiership Rugby, the European Champions Cup and England international fixtures.

Steve Smith, executive director of content at Sky Sports, said during SportsPro Live at London’s Kia Oval that the Lions remain an ideal fit for its portfolio because their games are capable of attracting viewers from across the sporting spectrum at a time when the English soccer season has concluded.

“The Lions are a huge brand and the commercial opportunity works,” Smith said. “We see an opportunity with subscribers and viewers because the audiences we get in June and July with the Lions are very, very good.

“We can take [the Lions] to our wider sport ecosystem. Just look at the final round of this year’s Masters when we had our biggest ever day on Sky Sports in 35 years. We have the digital and linear channels to build the brand of the Lions.”

Smith was speaking alongside Lions chief executive Ben Calveley, who has no reservations about continuing to partner with Sky despite its interest in rugby now limited to southern hemisphere competitions. He stressed that the broadcaster has the reach and production capabilities to maximise the sporting and commercial impact of Lions tours.

“I don’t think you can overstate the importance of our relationship with Sky,” Calveley said. “The Lions is about selecting the best players, and we want our partners to have a similar mindset. The production values, quality of talent, effort and resource that [Sky] put into the Lions is hugely significant.

“Going away on a Lions tour is about going away to these amazing countries, surrounded by tens of thousands of fans. But just one per cent of our fanbase will ever go on a Lions tour, so it’s crucial we have ways to tell the story to all the people around the world that follow us or might be interested in us.

“Sky Sports have been a huge part of helping us tell that story. I don’t think we’d be the brand we are now without the strength of that relationship over the past 30 years.”

One of the priorities for the Lions has been to extend the window of interest in its tours, which take place every four years in the summer. It has made coach announcements and jersey reveals major events, and this year, for the first time, it will announce its squad at a live event at London’s O2 arena.

“The level of engagement we get for our squad reveals has been off the charts – it’s the same as it would be for the first test,” said Calveley. “Our view was that we must be able to make something of this – we’ve seen National Football League (NFL) Drafts and Formula One have done something similar. Sky will be there to help us tell the story.”

Calveley believes the introduction of a women’s Lions tour from 2027 is one of the “most significant changes in our 137-year history” that ensures the organisation will operate on a two-year cycle.

Sky’s contract does not include the inaugural tour of New Zealand and, with the Lions unbundling some of the women’s commercial rights from those of the men, it may decide an alternative approach is needed with broadcasting. For example, it may be that free-to-air (FTA) coverage needs to be a core component of any tender.

However, Sky, fresh from publishing its most recent study on the value of women’s sport to broadcasters, would be interested depending on how the deal would be structured.

“I believe [the women’s tour] was announced after we signed our contract,” Smith explained. “We’ve done some research that shows many fans love watching both men’s and women’s sport, that they like the distinct difference between men’s and women’s sport as well as the commonality between them.

“So that’s how we’ll be thinking about it.”

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NIL

Way-too-early Top 25 college basketball rankings 9.0: 2025-26 outlook, updated projected lineups

The way-too-early Top 25 for 2025-26 is almost complete and grows closer to its final form after NBA Draft withdrawals by international prospects and commitments from the top transfers left on the board. The biggest change is the drop of Michigan State following Kaleb Glenn‘s season-ending injury. Before getting into the top contenders next season, […]

Published

18 minutes ago

June 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Before getting into the top contenders next season, there are some rules to the exercise which must be noted. Some teams, players and coaches still have decisions to make before the tip off, so the list is always in flux. Here are the guidelines you need to know:

There are still a number of players whose eligibility for next season remains in question. Waivers and senior decisions will shape the final roster. At the moment, those expected to run out of eligibility are out, but could return if granted another year.

These rankings will continue to be updated with many roster changes already confirmed and on campus for summer workouts. Here is the latest way-too-early look at what the Top 25 rankings could look like in the 2025-26 season.

1. Purdue

Key returns: CJ Cox, Daniel Jacobsen, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith
Key additions: Oscar Cluff*, Omer Meyer, Liam Murphy*
Key departures: Myles Colvin
Projected lineup:

G: Braden Smith
G: Fletcher Loyer
G: CJ Cox
F: Trey Kaufman-Renn
C: Oscar Cluff

2. Houston

Key returns: Emanuel Sharp, JoJo Tugler, Milos Uzan
Key additions: Chris Cenac, Kingston Flemings, Isiah Harwell, Kalifa Sakho*
Key departures: Terrance Arceneaux, LJ Cryer, Ja’Vier Francis, J’Wan Roberts, Mylik Wilson
Projected lineup:

G: Milos Uzan
G: Emanuel Sharp
G: Isiah Harwell
F: Chric Cenac
F: JoJo Tugler

3. Duke

Key returns: Isaiah Evans, Caleb Foster, Patick Ngongba
Key additions: Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Nikolas Khamenia, Dame Sarr, Sebastian Wilkins
Key departures: Cooper Flagg, Sion James, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Tyrese Proctor
Projected lineup:

G: Cayden Boozer
G: Isaiah Evans
F: Dame Sarr
F: Cameron Boozer
C: Patrick Ngongba

4. Florida

Key returns: Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh
Key additions: AJ Brown*, Boogie Fland*, CJ Ingram, Xaivian Lee*, Alex Lloyd
Key departures: Denzel Aberdeen, Walter Clayton, Alijah Martin, Will Richard
Projected lineup:

G: Boogie Fland
G: Xaivian Lee
F: Thomas Haugh
C: Alex Condon
C: Reuben Chinyelu

5. Kentucky

Key returns: Brandon Garrison, Otega Oweh
Key additions: Denzel Aberdeen*, Mo Dioubate*, Braydon Hawthorne, Andrija Jelavic, Jasper Johnson, Jaland Lowe*, Malachi Moreno, Jayden Quaintance*, Kam Williams*
Key departures: Ansley Almonor, Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, Jaxson Robinson, Amari Williams
Projected lineup:

G: Jaland Lowe
G: Otega Oweh
F: Kam Williams
F: Mo Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance

6. Auburn

Key returns: Tahaad Pettiford
Key additions: Abdul Bashir*, Elyjah Freeman*, Keyshawn Hall*, Filip Jovic, Kaden Magwood, KeShawn Murphy*, Kevin Overton*, Sebastian Williams-Adams
Key departures: Chad Baker-Mazara, Johni Broome, Chaney Johnson, Denver Jones, Miles Kelly
Projected lineup:

G: Tahaad Pettiford
G: Kevin Overton
G: Keyshawn Hall
G: Abdul Bashir
F: KeShawn Murphy

7. St. John’s

Key returns: Zuby Ejiofor
Key additions: Dylan Darling*, Bryce Hopkins*, Ian Jackson*, Dillon Mitchell*, Joson Sanon*, Oziyah Sellers*
Key departures: Brady Dunlap, RJ Luis, Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, Deivon Smith, Simeon Wilcher
Projected lineup:

G: Ian Jackson
G: Joson Sanon
G: Oziyah Sellers
F: Bryce Hopkins
C: Zuby Ejiofor

8. Iowa State

Key returns: Nate Heise, Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic
Key additions: Jamarion Batemon, Blake Buchanan*, Eric Mulder*, Dominick Nelson*, Mason Williams*
Key departures: Keshon Gilbert, Dishon Jackson, Curtis Jones,
Projected lineup:

G: Tamin Lipsey
G: Dominic Nelson
F: Joshua Jefferson
F: Milan Momcilovic
C: Blake Buchanan

9. Michigan

Key returns: Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, Will Tschetter
Key additions: Elliot Cadeau*, Morez Johnson*, Yaxel Lendeborg*, Aday Mara*, Trey McKenney
Key departures: Tre Donaldson, Vlad Goldin, Sam Walters, Danny Wolf
Projected lineup:

G: Elliot Cadeau
G: Roddy Gayle
G: Nimari Burnett
F: Morez Johnson
F: Yaxel Lendeborg

10. Alabama

Key returns: Aden Holloway, Labaron Philon, Latrell Wrightsell
Key additions: Amari Allen, Jalil Bethea*, Taylor Bol Bowen*, Keitenn Bristow*, Davion Hannah, London Jemison, Noah Williamson*
Key departures: Mo Dioubate, Grant Nelson, Clifford Omoruyi, Derrion Reid, Mark Sears, Jarin Stevenson, Chris Youngblood
Projected lineup:

G: Labaron Philon
G: Aden Holloway
G: Latrell Wrightsell
F: Taylor Bol Bowen
C: Aidan Sherrell

Ranking 11-25

11. Arkansas
Key returns: Trevon Brazile, Karter Knox, Billy Richmond, DJ Wagner
Key additions: Darius Acuff, Malique Ewin*, Nick Pringle*, Karim Rtail, Maleek Thomas
Key departures: Jonas Aidoo, Johnell Davis, Boogie Fland, Zvonimir Ivisic, Adou Thiero
Projected lineup: Darius Acuff, DJ Wagner, Karter Knox, Trevon Brazile, Malique Ewin

12. Illinois
Key returns: Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, Tomislav Ivisic, Ty Rodgers
Key additions: Zvonimir Ivisic*, David Mirkovic, Mihailo Petrovic, Andrej Stojakovic*
Key departures: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Kasparas Jakucionis, Morez Johnson, Will Riley, Tre White
Projected lineup: Kylan Boswell, Ty Rodgers, Andrej Stojakovic, Ben Humrichous, Tomislav Ivisic

13. Tennessee
Key returns: Felix Okpara
Key additions: Amaree Abram*, Nate Ament, Jaylen Carey*, Ja’Kobi Gillespie*, Clarence Massamba
Key departures: Jordan Gainey, Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack, Igor Milicic, Zakai Zeigler
Projected lineup: Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Amaree Abram, Nate Ament, Jaylen Carey, Felix Okpara

14. Louisville
Key returns: J’Vonne Hadley, Kasean Pryor, Kobe Rodgers
Key additions: Mikel Brown, Mouhamed Camara, Ryan Conwell*, Sanandra Fru, Isaac McKneely*, Adrian Wooley*
Key departures: Terrence Edwards, Chucky Hepburn, Aly Khalifa, James Scott, Reyne Smith, Noah Waterman
Projected lineup: Mikel Brown, Isaac McKneely, Ryan Conwell, J’Vonne Hadley, Kasean Pryor

15. BYU
Key returns: Dawson Baker, Keba Keita, Richie Saunders
Key additions: Kennard Davis*, AJ Dybantsa, Khadim Mboup, Tyler Mrus*, Nate Pickens*, Xavion Staton, Rob Wright*
Key departures: Kanon Catchings, Egor Demin, Dallin Hall, Trevin Knell, Mawot Mag, Fousseyni Traore
Projected lineup: Rob Wright, Dawson Baker, Richie Saunders, AJ Dybantsa, Keba Keita

16. UConn
Key returns: Solomon Ball, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed, Jaylin Stewart
Key additions: Darius Adams, Silas Demary*, Dwayne Koroma*, Alec Millender*, Braylon Mullins, Eric Reibe, Malachi Smith*
Key departures: Hassan Diarra, Samson Johnson, Liam McNeeley
Projected lineup: Silas Demary, Solomon Ball, Braylon Mullins, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed

17. Kansas
Key returns: Flory Bidunga
Key additions: Melvin Council*, Jayden Dawson*, Darryn Peterson, Bryson Tiller, Tre White*
Key departures: KJ Adams, David Coit, Hunter Dickinson, Rylan Griffen, Dajuan Harris, Zeke Mayo, AJ Storr
Projected lineup: Melvin Council, Jayden Dawson, Darryn Peterson, Tre White, Flory Bidunga

18. Creighton
Key returns: Jackson McAndrew
Key additions: Aleksa Dimitrijevic, Josh Dix*, Owen Freeman*, Nik Graves*, Hudson Greer, Blake Harper*, Liam McChesney*, Austin Swartz*
Key departures: Steven Ashworth, Pop Isaacs, Jamiya Neal, Ryan Kalkbrenner
Projected lineup: Nik Graves, Josh Dix, Blake Harper, Jackson McAndrew, Owen Freeman

19. Texas Tech
Key returns: Christian Anderson, JT Toppin
Key additions: Donovan Atwell*, Tyeree Bryan*, LeJuan Watts*
Key departures: Devan Cambridge, Federiko Federiko, Elijah Hawkins, Chance McMillian, Kevin Overton, Kerwin Walton, Darrion Williams
Projected lineup: Christian Anderson, Donovan Atwell, LeJuan Watts, JT Toppin, Luke Bamgboye

20. Arizona
Key returns: Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley, Anthony Dell’Orso, Motiejus Krivas
Key additions: Dwayne Aristode, Brayden Burries, Sidi Gueye, Ivan Kharchenkov, Evan Nelson*, Koa Peat
Key departures: Carter Bryant, KJ Lewis, Caleb Love, Trey Townsend, Henri Veesaar
Projected lineup: Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, Tobe Awaka, Koa Peat, Motiejus Krivas

21. UCLA
Key returns: Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, Eric Dailey
Key additions: Jamar Brown*, Donovan Dent*, Steven Jamerson*
Key departures: Dylan Andrews, Kobe Johnson, Sebastian Mack, Aday Mara
Projected lineup: Donovan Dent, Skyy Clark, Eric Dailey, Tyler Bilodeau, Xavier Booker

22. Baylor
Key returns: N/A
Key additions: Obi Agim*, Juslin Bodo Bodo*, Cameron Carr*, Caden Powell*, Michael Rataj*, Dan Skillings*, JJ White*, Isaac Williams*, Tounde Yessoufou
Key departures: Jalen Celestine, VJ Edgecombe, Langston Love, Jayden Nunn, Josh Ojianwuna, Norchad Omier, Jeremy Roach, Rob Wright
Projected lineup: Dan Skillings, JJ White, Obi Agbim, Tounde Yessoufou, Michael Rataj

23. Texas A&M
Key returns: N/A
Key additions: Rashaun Agee*, Ruben Dominguez, Federiko Federiko*, Rylan Griffen*, Marcus Hill*, Josh Holloway*, Pop Isaacs*, Jacari Lane*, Mackenzie Mgbako*
Key departures: Henry Coleman, Andersson Garcia, Manny Obaseki, Pharrel Payne, Zhuric Phelps, Wade Taylor
Projected lineup: Pop Isaacs, Jacari Lane, Rylan Griffen, Mackenzie Mgbako, Federiko Federiko

24. North Carolina
Key returns: Seth Trimble
Key additions: Luka Bogavac, Derek Dixon, Kyan Evans*, Jonathan Powell*, Jarin Stevenson*, Henri Veesaar*, Caleb Wilson, Jaydon Young*
Key departures: Elliot Cadeau, RJ Davis, Ian Jackson, Ven-Allen Lubin, Drake Powell, Jalen Washington, Jae’lyn Withers
Projected lineup: Kyan Evans, Seth Trimble, Jonathan Powell, Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar

25. Wisconsin
Key returns: John Blackwell, Nolan Winter
Key additions: Aleksas Bielauskas, Nick Boyd*, Braeden Carrington*, Austin Rapp*, Andrew Rohde*
Key departures: Steven Crowl, Max Klesmit, Kamari McGee, John Tonje
Projected lineup: Nick Boyd, John Blackwell, Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp, Nolan Winter

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NIL Go hopes to track many deals in the college ecosystem, but can it be effective? | West Virginia University Sports

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1 hour ago

June 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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Softball Announces 2026 Big Ten Schedule

Story Links COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Head softball coach Lauren Karn, entering her third season at the helm of the Terrapins, in conjunction with the Big Ten Conference, has announced Maryland’s 2026 Big Ten softball schedule. The Terps will open their conference slate at home at the Maryland Softball Complex, hosting Rutgers […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Head softball coach Lauren Karn, entering her third season at the helm of the Terrapins, in conjunction with the Big Ten Conference, has announced Maryland’s 2026 Big Ten softball schedule.

The Terps will open their conference slate at home at the Maryland Softball Complex, hosting Rutgers for a three-game series from March 6–8.

Maryland will then travel to the West Coast to face Washington in a three-game series from March 13–15, before returning to College Park to host Indiana from March 20–22.

The Terps will hit the road for back-to-back weekends, heading to Madison to face Wisconsin (March 27–29), followed by a trip to University Park to take on Penn State (April 3–5).

Maryland returns home for two consecutive weekends, welcoming Oregon to the Maryland Softball Complex from April 10–12, followed by a series against Illinois from April 17–18.

The Terps will close out their Big Ten regular season schedule on the road, traveling to East Lansing to face Michigan State from April 24–26.

Maryland looks to rebound from last season’s 16th-place finish in the Big Ten and make a push for a return to the Big Ten Softball Tournament.

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Rebuilding Pac-12 reaches deal with CBS for its football and men’s basketball games

Associated Press The Pac-12 struck a media-rights deal with CBS on Monday that sets up the network to broadcast a minimum of four football and men’s basketball games per season on its main network and provide a cable and streaming presence for the reconfigured league from 2026-31. Financial details of the new deal were not […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Associated Press

The Pac-12 struck a media-rights deal with CBS on Monday that sets up the network to broadcast a minimum of four football and men’s basketball games per season on its main network and provide a cable and streaming presence for the reconfigured league from 2026-31.

Financial details of the new deal were not disclosed. Conference Commissioner Teresa Gould called it a “transformational partnership” that allows the Pac-12 to grow when it starts as a remodeled league in 2026-27.

An inability to secure a media deal is what nearly cratered the league in 2023, with all but Oregon State and Washington State departing for the Big 12, Atlantic Coast and Big Ten Conferences.

The Pac-12 already had deals in place to put all of the two remaining teams’ football games on the CW, ESPN and CBS for the upcoming season.

The new deal with what the league calls its “primary long-term media partner” kicks in the next season, when Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State and San Diego State will join the Pac-12 in all sports, with Gonzaga joining in everything but football.

The Pac-12 needs to add another football program to reach the minimum eight teams necessary to be in the Football Bowl Subdivision and, thus, the College Football Playoff. Multiple reports say Texas State has emerged as the top candidate.

Under the new deal, CBS will broadcast at least three regular-season football and men’s basketball games per season, along with the championship games for both sports. The league also will have what it called a “consistent regular-season presence” on the cable CBS Sports Network.

Details are still being finalized as Pac-12 media negotiator, Octagon, works on finding additional media partners for the league.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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Wisconsin, NIL collective sue Miami

The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season. What You Need To Know The […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

What You Need To Know

The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective have sued the University of Miami

It said it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this fall

The suit could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics

The case describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced plans to leave the Badgers

Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.

Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.

The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.

“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.

Wisconsin said in January that it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.

Wisconsin and VC Connect allege that the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and that they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”

A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said that Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.

Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.

Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.

Heitner said that Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued that Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.

Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.

In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.

Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4 million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.

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Deion Sanders’ son shares video of Colorado coach to give health update

Deion Sanders’ eldest son has shared an encouraging video of the Hall of Famer as the Colorado head coach continues to recover from an undisclosed health issue Deion Sanders recently took a break from coaching at Colorado(Image: Getty Images) Deion Sanders’ eldest son, Deion Jr., has served up some reassuring news regarding the renowned Colorado […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Deion Sanders’ eldest son has shared an encouraging video of the Hall of Famer as the Colorado head coach continues to recover from an undisclosed health issue

Deion Sanders recently took a break from coaching at Colorado(Image: Getty Images)

Deion Sanders’ eldest son, Deion Jr., has served up some reassuring news regarding the renowned Colorado head coach’s health woes, releasing a video of the Pro Football Hall of Famer enjoying some fishing.

There’s been a bit of worry circulating about Sanders’ condition these past few weeks. The 57-year-old NFL legend took a hiatus from Boulder and jetted back to his Texas property, missing out on the yearly youth camps he’s known for leading.

The details of the illness remain under wraps, as neither Sanders nor Colorado has spilled any specifics. But come Sunday, Junior dropped a clip from their angling jaunt that featured ‘Coach Prime’ at the helm of a vessel in the Lone Star State.

READ MORE: Rory McIlroy sent ‘$70M jet’ message as Phil Mickelson claim madeREAD MORE: Women’s basketball team cancels training camp after United States visas denied

The footage also includes former Colorado star and Heisman Trophy victor Travis Hunter, who the Jacksonville Jaguars snagged as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Deion Jr. says in the footage. “Coach Prime back active, moving around. God is great. Not back active moving around, but it’s progress.”

Looking ahead, Sanders Sr. plans to show his face on July 9 at a Big 12 media day. Colorado gets its season rolling by hosting Georgia Tech at Folsom Field come August 29.

Sanders’ son has posted a video of his father fishing amid concerns about his health(Image: Well Off Media)

It was June 11 when Sanders Sr. last spoke publicly about his health status. “I can assure you all that everything is OK and will continue to be so,” he wrote on social media.

“I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team and all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.”

The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers legend, who also played in Major League Baseball, has grappled with some serious health setbacks.

Following repeated complications from blood clots, he underwent procedures that resulted in the loss of two toes back in 2021.

Taking charge of the Buffaloes, Sanders turned a struggling one-win team into contenders over two successful seasons. The Colorado squad showcased some serious style, finishing with a strong 9-4 record in 2024 and just shy of making it to the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff.

With the dawn of the 2025 season bringing a wave of change, Sanders will see his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, along with Hunter, taking their game to the NFL pros. Alongside them, several starting players have also exited the roster.

Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will step into Shedeur’s quarterback role at Colorado, with five-star hotshot Julian ‘Ju Ju’ Lewis as a promising backup.

Heading into the new season, the Buffaloes boast bragging rights with the No. 24 recruiting class and the No. 19 transfer class. High-profile additions like Chauncey Gooden, Carde Smith, and London Merritt are set to wear Colorado’s colors.

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