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Mario Cristobal has stern statement for Miami regarding Nico Iamaleava holdout

Mario Cristobal gave a stern message after the Miami Spring Game on Saturday regarding the holdout and subsequent dismissal of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava was not at Tennessee practice on Friday, with reports stating he wanted more name, image and likeness money. Pete Thamel of ESPN reported on Friday that Iamaleava missing practice and […]

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Mario Cristobal has stern statement for Miami regarding Nico Iamaleava holdout

Mario Cristobal gave a stern message after the Miami Spring Game on Saturday regarding the holdout and subsequent dismissal of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava was not at Tennessee practice on Friday, with reports stating he wanted more name, image and likeness money.

Pete Thamel of ESPN reported on Friday that Iamaleava missing practice and meetings on Friday was the driver in the decision by Tennessee to dismiss him. Iamaleava has an NIL evaluation of $3.1 million per On3. According to USA Today, Iamaleava was receiving $2 million per year in NIL deals.

Miami quarterback Carson Beck reportedly received $4.3 million to transfer to Miami. Miami has been at the forefront of NIL and the transfer portal under Cristobal, but he is still at heart an old-school football coach who expects hard work, physicality, loyalty to the team and no one who thinks they are above the program.

Cristobal expects discipline from his players and putting the team in front of themselves. He will make decisions that are best for the program. Cristobal knows if he coalesced to a player’s demands, the line would start for everyone on the team wanting the same thing. The comments from Cristobal start around nine minutes in the video below.

“You make the decisions that are best for the program…It all depends on what you’re willing to accept, or you’re going to draw the line in your program…Once you allow that to happen and you agree to it, we’ll prepare for a line of 80 guys doing the same thing…We’re not going to do that at Miami…If anyone’s…want to play holdout, they might as well play get out. We don’t want to do that and we don’t want Miami to become that..Too many guys…have laid on the line…to ever become that kind of a program.”

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal

Cristobal is building a program, not just a team. Miami has improved in each of the three seasons under Cristobal. Cristobal easily could have made former QB Cam Ward bigger than the program during the 2024 season. The record-setting 2024 season Ward had and his accolades and awards have been well documented.

Like Ward did in 2024, Beck comes to Miami with a lot of publicity and success. Although Beck was hurt this spring, he has received nothing but praise from Cristobal about his work ethic learning the offense, a high football IQ and the example he is setting for his teammates, particularly in the QB room.

Cristobal has made clear the importance of recruiting high-character players to Miami. In the past, Cristobal has stressed the importance of getting players who did not fit the expectations of the program to move on. The situation at Tennessee will not likely be unique early in the NIL era.

Players holding out in professional sports has been prevalent for decades. Miami sports fans are aware of Jimmy Butler forcing a trade. College players now have the opportunity to enter the transfer portal in December and April. Iamaleava will be the most prevalent name in the 2025 Spring Transfer Portal that is open April 16-25.

NIL

BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Lands 8-Figure Fanatics Deal

AJ Dybantsa, the potential No. 1 overall NBA draft pick in 2026, has become a multimillionaire before setting foot on a college basketball court, signing a multiyear deal with Fanatics Collectibles. The agreement with Fanatics’ memorabilia arm is worth eight figures, according to a source familiar with the deal, and is one of the sports […]

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AJ Dybantsa, the potential No. 1 overall NBA draft pick in 2026, has become a multimillionaire before setting foot on a college basketball court, signing a multiyear deal with Fanatics Collectibles.

The agreement with Fanatics’ memorabilia arm is worth eight figures, according to a source familiar with the deal, and is one of the sports e-commerce giant’s most significant name, image and likeness contracts ever. The exclusive partnership, announced in an embargoed media release Wednesday, starts immediately and will be centered around Fanatics-owned Topps trading cards and other items.

The news comes just a few days after the Dybantsa led Team USA to a gold medal victory at the FIBA U19 World Cup. The 6-9 forward secured the World Cup MVP award and scored 100 points over seven games, showing why he’s one of the most heralded NBA prospects of the last decade. His professional trajectory has grabbed the attention of multiple brands and companies vying for his services.

As part of the Fanatics deal, the 18-year-old native of Brockton, Mass., will provide autographs, inscriptions and game-used jerseys and will be included in various brand marketing campaigns. He’s already slated to be featured in several products from the company’s Bowman University line, according to the company.

Fanatics has exclusive collectible partnerships with dozens of athletes and welcomed Dybantsa as its newest ambassador in a video clip released on Wednesday.

Fanatics, which bought trading card brand Topps in 2022, continues to spend big on relationships with future NBA lottery picks. The company has deals with the first two picks in last month’s NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) and Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs). On the women’s side, it inked USC star JuJu Watkins to a multiyear pact—notable since rival Panini is the exclusive WNBA trading card licensee.

Dybantsa was already part of Fanatics’ McDonald’s All-American Game one-off deal. His endorsement portfolio includes Red Bull and Nike. The first BYU pledge to make the All-American game is considered one of college basketball’s top earners as he reportedly received more than $6 million to play for the Cougars.

Dybantsa is one of the last high school star athletes of the pre-House settlement era, which saw college standouts enter unregulated NIL deals. Now, all NIL deals over $600 must be reported by athletes and go through Deloitte’s national clearinghouse for review.

This latest deal with Fanatics will span beyond Dybantsa’s expected one season in Provo before he declares for the draft. The sides are likely hoping the relationship has a smoother transition from college to pro than Marvin Harrison Jr. had. The former Ohio State star and his father were sued by Fanatics in 2024 for breach of contract after the younger Harrison was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. The convoluted dispute left Harrison as the only 2024 first-round pick not to have his jersey available for sale. The 10-month legal saga settled in March.



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Syracuse Basketball may have figured out NIL

Share Tweet Share Share Email It’s no secret that Syracuse Athletics hasn’t run the tightest ship when it comes to NIL. Everything from losing players to broken donor relationships has come raining down on the Orange. But today, maybe, just maybe, Syracuse did something the right way. Tuesday evening, the Syracuse Men’s Basketball team held […]

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It’s no secret that Syracuse Athletics hasn’t run the tightest ship when it comes to NIL. Everything from losing players to broken donor relationships has come raining down on the Orange. But today, maybe, just maybe, Syracuse did something the right way.

Tuesday evening, the Syracuse Men’s Basketball team held its summer slam event, with a three-point and dunk contest helping showcase new members of the program. The event, run by prominent ‘Cuse booster Vinny Lobdell, sold out 300 tickets, according to syracuse.com.

Fans were able to meet the players, watch the star-studded event (which included former NBA players Spud Webb and Dee Brown as dunk judges), and help raise money for NIL and local charities.

While the Fizz was unfortunately not at the event, social media coverage of the event showed a great atmosphere (and some great dunks).

Is this event going to raise millions of dollars? No. But it is an idea of what NIL can (and maybe should) be at Syracuse. Fans get to interact with players while also supporting the program.

I mean who doesn’t want to see Nate Kingz chucking up threes and William Kyle jamming down dunks in a barnhouse without there being the pressure of an opponent? This writer certainly would love to see it.

It’s all about being creative. Of course there will always be rich alumni who are funneling in lots of moneys to the athletic program and new NIL events keep popping up. But what can move SU’s NIL collectives from good to great is getting more and more fans involved.

Making events like these even less exclusive and more often helps fan get connected with the team, in turn raising more money. And that is only going to help Syracuse retain and gain talent.

But tonight was a great first step. Good job Syracuse.











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Big 12 football coaches address continued concerns with player payment, third-party NIL deals

Eight Big 12 head coaches during yesterday’s football media days said that the “Wild West” of player payment in college sports “remains wild,” according to Ross Dellenger of YAHOO SPORTS. Some coaches believe that schools are “making big enough contract offers to recruits that they cannot possibly remain under college football’s new compensation cap.” Others […]

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Eight Big 12 head coaches during yesterday’s football media days said that the “Wild West” of player payment in college sports “remains wild,” according to Ross Dellenger of YAHOO SPORTS. Some coaches believe that schools are “making big enough contract offers to recruits that they cannot possibly remain under college football’s new compensation cap.” Others are “guaranteeing third-party NIL deals as part of the total compensation package to athletes — something against new revenue-share rules.” Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield said, “I don’t understand what rules everybody is playing by. The whole point of this was for us all to be playing by the same rules, but we are not.” Sources said that the new entities charged with enforcing these policies, the College Sports Commission and its Deloitte-run NIL clearinghouse, are “bogged down in legalities tethered to the settlement.” Dozens and “potentially hundreds” of submitted third-party NIL deals “remain under review.” Sources said that of the more than 1,200 deals submitted to the clearinghouse, “about one-third have been approved.” About 80 have been denied and “are likely” to be resubmitted, which can happen once. Lawyer Jeffrey Kessler said that “no deals have advanced past the second denial stage and into the appeals phase.” Big 12 coaches said that they are “witnessing schools finding new ways, in the revenue-share era, to circumvent the cap and skirt the rules” (YAHOO SPORTS, 7/8).



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Fanatics announces ‘significant’ NIL deal with BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa

BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ & ADAM ZAGORIA Fanatics and Fanatics collectibles are set to partner with incoming BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa in one of Fanatics “most significant NIL deals ever,” the company announced on Wednesday. The deal is set to be in effect immediately and will follow Dybantsa after his college career is over. It includes […]

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BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ & ADAM ZAGORIA

Fanatics and Fanatics collectibles are set to partner with incoming BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa in one of Fanatics “most significant NIL deals ever,” the company announced on Wednesday.

The deal is set to be in effect immediately and will follow Dybantsa after his college career is over. It includes autographed trading cards, game-used jerseys, inscriptions and will also see the star freshmen be included in Fanatic marketing campaigns.

Dybantsa, who signed with BYU on an NIL deal worth close to $7 million, will also be featured in upcoming new product lines, including “Bowman U NOW,” which will celebrate special moments in college sports.

Dybantsa is set to be one of the biggest names and brands in all of college basketball next season as he prepares for the 2026 NBA Draft.

He was just named MVP of the U19 FIBA World Cup in Switzerland, where he helped the USA win gold.

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Top NBA prospect AJ Dybantsa signs exclusive deal with Fanatics, explains BYU choice

Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles announced Wednesday they’ve signed incoming BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa to a multi-year exclusive deal, dubbing the pact one of the company’s “most significant NIL deals ever.”  Dybantsa, 18, is a top candidate to become the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The partnership starts immediately, according to Fanatics, focusing […]

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Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles announced Wednesday they’ve signed incoming BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa to a multi-year exclusive deal, dubbing the pact one of the company’s “most significant NIL deals ever.” 

Dybantsa, 18, is a top candidate to become the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The partnership starts immediately, according to Fanatics, focusing on trading cards and memorabilia and will extend beyond Dybantsa’s collegiate career. 

“Me and my family really just take time with these deals we get,” Dybantsa told The Athletic when asked why he signed with Fanatics. “We don’t just go for any brand. It’s kind of more than just the brand itself. It’s kind of who’s running it, who’s behind it. We’re big family people, so how the brand is like a family connection, and we think we met those standards with Omar (Wilkes, head of athlete partnerships for Fanatics Collectibles) and Michael (Rubin, Fanatics CEO).”

Fanatics signing top NBA draft prospects to exclusive deals is a continuing trend for the company, following agreements with Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg. On the women’s side, Fanatics also signed USC’s JuJu Watkins to an exclusive deal earlier this year. Dybantsa is fresh off an MVP performance in helping Team USA win the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland on Sunday by beating Germany in the finals.

For trading cards, the deal will include autographs, game-used jerseys, inscriptions and being involved in brand marketing campaigns. According to Fanatics Collectibles, Dybantsa will be in a number of upcoming products, among them Bowman U Now and other Bowman offerings.  

Topps, owned by Fanatics, is set to take over the NBA licensing for trading cards in October, taking it away from Panini. This means collectors can acquire NBA autographed cards with team logos and names attached for Flagg and eventually Dybantsa. That wasn’t the case for Wembanyama, whose autographed rookie cards appeared on unlicensed Topps products.

Below is a selection of questions and answers from the 6-foot-9 forward’s interview with The Athletic about collecting, NIL, BYU, and potentially being the No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA Draft:

How big are you into card collecting at all? 

I was when I was younger. I used to collect cards, but ever since then I haven’t really haven’t done too much. I liked NBA, NFL, MLB (cards), but I haven’t been doing too much about that. … I probably had a crazy Charizard or something like that. 


Do you see yourself maybe collecting yourself or do you think, nah, maybe not? 

Yeah. I might collect myself.
I can pull for myself. It might be cool. 

Would you go chasing after cards? 
Maybe go try to buy it yourself? 


I don’t know if I’ll buy my own card, but if he was willing to give it to me for free, I’ll take it. 

Who are some of the players that you’ve modeled your game after that you admire and inspire?

My favorite player since growing up has been Kevin Durant. I tried to model my game after various guys, though, like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Tracy McGrady, now Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander). Just those types of big wings, big guards. 

In terms of a basketball program and a brand, what drew you to attend BYU? 

With the staff they had, (BYU head coach) Kevin Young has coached my favorite player. He’s also coached Chris Paul, Joel Embiid,
 Devin Booker. Those types of guys. My ultimate goal is to go to the NBA, so why not try to get that knowledge earlier, before I get there and try to be the most prepared for when I get there.

How much have you been in touch with people along the way for guidance? 

When I come across them, you know, I ask questions. Our life, we practice a little bit (for the NBA), but nothing has even come close to even starting there so
I’m just excited to play college basketball. I’m not too worried about the whole process. But I’ve talked to guys like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Paolo (Banchero). They shared their experiences going through the draft process.

How do you juggle being a player and then having NIL commitments?

It’s good that players can make money off of their brand. They should have (before recently). I know a lot of players wish that they were younger so they can have the opportunity. I think it should have been applied a while ago, but I think it’s a great add on for athletes, not just basketball, generating however much money from fans, from games and ticket sales and everything. They should get a piece, so this is exciting that you can make money off of your name. 

What are some of the things on the court you could work on? What are some of the things that you really feel like suit you for the college game and for the next level? 


I’ve got a lot of stuff to work on. Just improving my shot, making quicker reads. Obviously, these guys are stronger, older and smarter. So just doing everything quicker and more precisely because this is not high school. 
They’re not going to just let me do whatever I want. …

I’m just getting in shape. 
Obviously we’re above sea level by 5,000-plus feet. So it’s getting in shape being able to withstand playing a full 40-minute college game. Getting used to the 3-point line being farther. Doing everything at a faster pace on a college level.

The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.

(Top photo: Soobum Im/Getty Images)



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Fanatics announces 'significant' NIL deal with BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa

BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ & ADAM ZAGORIA Fanatics and Fanatics collectibles are set to partner with incoming BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa in one of Fanatics “most significant NIL deals ever,” the company announced on Wednesday. The deal is set to be in effect immediately and will follow Dybantsa after his college career is over. It includes […]

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Fanatics announces 'significant' NIL deal with BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa

BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ & ADAM ZAGORIA

Fanatics and Fanatics collectibles are set to partner with incoming BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa in one of Fanatics “most significant NIL deals ever,” the company announced on Wednesday.

The deal is set to be in effect immediately and will follow Dybantsa after his college career is over. It includes autographed trading cards, game-used jerseys, inscriptions and will also see the star freshmen be included in Fanatic marketing campaigns.

Dybantsa, who signed with BYU on an NIL deal worth close to $7 million, will also be featured in upcoming new product lines, including “Bowman U NOW,” which will celebrate special moments in college sports.

Dybantsa is set to be one of the biggest names and brands in all of college basketball next season as he prepares for the 2026 NBA Draft.

He was just named MVP of the U19 FIBA World Cup in Switzerland, where he helped the USA win gold.

Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter

Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram

And Like ZAGS on Facebook

Follow Alejandro Lopez on Twitter

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