NIL

NIL in high school? Arizona's next

Published

2 months ago

May 8, 2025

PHOENIX – In the evolving world of amateur sports, the three-letter acronym NIL has begun rewriting the rulebook.Short for name, image and likeness, this concept has opened the door for monetization at all levels of athletics. A financial revolution once seemingly only available for college athletes is now trickling down all the way to the high school level. NIL is making its way into high school gymnasiums and fields with athletes across the U.S. growing their brand before stepping foot on a college campus.At the center of this shift in Phoenix is Zaire “Cherri” Hatter, a 14-year-old basketball star from Desert Vista High School who has already begun navigating the life of a high-profile athlete. Hatter is a representation of the new world of youth athletics – a world where Hatter can reach new heights while staying true to herself.It’s terrain University of Arizona basketball player Jada Williams knows well. She was among the first female high school basketball players to sign a national NIL deal when she was at La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego and continues to reap the financial benefits from companies including Spalding and Gym Shark.How we got hereTo better understand NIL’s rapid growth, we have to look back to the origin. At the start, collegiate athletes competed for either pride or scholarships. But as collegiate sports evolved into a multi billion-dollar industry over time, the model began to shift.Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

In 2021, after years of legal battles among athletes and the courts, a landmark Supreme Court decision came in the NCAA vs. Alston case. As a result, the NCAA adjusted its rules to allow athletes to receive compensation through NIL deals.One level lower, discussions began around NIL and high school athletes. As of 2025, at least 42 states and the District of Columbia allow high school athletes to profit from NIL.Jon Kappes, an associate research professor at Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law who recently hosted an event about NIL for young athletes, spoke to this and some of the risks that deals can pose in states where NIL is not permitted.“I am aware that different states have been slower to change the high school policies, which have in some instances said high school students can lose eligibility,” Kappes said.The Arizona Interscholastic Association officially approved NIL activity for high school students, allowing students the ability to profit under strict guidelines. Arizona’s high school students are prohibited from wearing school uniforms or logos or have any affiliation to the school in any NIL activities.“It has added another layer of support and education we need to make sure we address these student-athletes, we have to make sure they are aware of the AIA bylaws,” said Jared Walther, the assistant principal of activities at Desert Vista. “We educate our coaches with the bylaws and help them navigate it with the kids.”The support systemHatter’s emergence as one of the top high school athletes, and the top girls state basketball athlete in the class of 2028 has placed the freshman guard at the forefront of the Arizona NIL youth movement. Hatter is already in line for NIL opportunities while also fielding Division I offers from programs like Alabama and Maryland. She recalled her excitement when she received that first offer.“It was exciting, because it confirms that my hard work has paid off so far,” Hatter said. “I definitely still have a lot of work to keep getting better.”While she enjoys the spotlight at a young age, Hatter is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with being a high-level athlete. The pressure of living up to the hype comes with its own challenges, but she keeps her mind focused.“I still have three years left of high school, I am making sure I continue to get better each day,” Hatter said.Maintaining a positive mindset on and off the court at times can be tricky and hard to manage for young athletes. Having her mother by her side has been one of the keys in her success so far.With her mother working as an equipment manager for the Desert Vista team, the long afternoon sessions that extend into the evenings become easier with her mother’s sacrifices.

“It is a big time commitment, but I enjoy the process of juggling school, and basketball,” Hatter said.

Another piece of the puzzle is Desert Vista coach Erin O’Bryan, a former university of Arizona women’s basketball player, who understands Hatter is rare and provides guidance based on her own experiences.

“Cherri’s work ethic is unmatched, she puts in hours upon hours in the weight room, on the court, and in the training room. She is dedicated to becoming the best player she can,” O’Bryan said. “Cherri has a very high ceiling, and she has high expectations for herself. She could end up being the most highly sought after player in Arizona.”The praise is consistent among all coaches, friends and family, but the admiration does not change Hatter’s personality. O’Bryan mentioned that the era of NIL has not changed any team dynamics.Hatter’s acknowledgment extends beyond just the court for Walther, who sees how well she handles the pressure at her age.“For being only a freshman and having these expectations placed on her, she has gone with the flow and not let any of it disrupt her usual day to day life,” Walther said. “She continues to do well in the classroom even with her basketball responsibilities.”Beyond the courtThe pressure of NIL reaches beyond just the financial aspects and collegiate recruitments – they also influence mental health. The feeling of starting early and standing out can at times train kids to not only train to like professionals but seemingly market themselves like that as well.Lindsey Markwell, a lecturer at Arizona State University in the Movement Sciences Programs with expertise in sport psychology and mental performance, echoes those concerns.“When sport becomes the only thing a youth athlete does or the only thing others talk to them about it can lead to single-performance based identity,” Markwell said. “Their self-worth becomes tied to how well they perform.”In most cases, especially in Arizona, sports such as basketball are year-round due to school commitments and club or team commitments resulting in a situation where most do not get that break or that “offseason” away.In Hatter’s case, it is vital to her success to have a strong environment surrounding her to ensure the road trips or the early practices are possible, and the enjoyment of being a kid isn’t lost.Luckily for Hatter that is exactly what she has from her mom by her side, to her sister, to all coaches and teachers, everyone in Hatter life is there to support her and see her grow not just as an athlete but as a person.While the mental load for anyone at this age let alone a teenager is quite a lot, it is simply hard to put NIL or competitive sports at fault. For all athletes alike, positive mental health outcomes will always be possible when someone such as Hatter has the ability to be heard and feel valued past how they play on a given day.“When supported well, early commitment can build resilience, discipline, and confidence,” Markwell said. “Balance, autonomy, and having a voice in their schedule makes all the difference.”For Desert Vista girls basketball the show is not all just about Hatter instead she is the beacon that shines brightest for the team and inspires each person to give it their best. Ultimately, by serving as leader on the court, Hatter’s passion and love for the game echoes across the locker room and classroom.“Cherri gives our team confidence, she is reliable and plays well every time she steps on the court,” O’Bryan said. “She upholds the culture of toughness and winning.”A quick comparisonAs the spotlight continues to grow on young athletes such as Hatter, it is brought to question that what we’re witnessing isn’t entirely new – it just looks different. NIL, with the branding and pressure to perform mirrors some of the experience of the youth entertainment culture of child stars in Hollywood.“In terms of an age threshold, what comes to my mind is that this context of athletics and sports is not that different from young actors,” Kappes said. “So you’ve got child actors that are toddlers, that are babies, nine months old, two years old.”Like child actors, NIL athletes tend to be thrusted into adult conversations and spaces while still developing as a person mentally and emotionally. In a lot of situations they are learning to market themselves and perform under pressure before they can even legally drive a car.“Athletes are branding themselves at 14 or 15, constantly curating how they’re seen,” Markwell said. “That pressure to always perform – both in real life and online – is a lot for anyone, let alone a teenager.”Though unlike child stars in Hollywood, students like Hatter are expected to attend school, take tests and homework like everyone else and in some situations to a higher degree.When hearing from people close to her though, this is exactly what makes Hatter special — managing both lives – as a freshmen student and a high profile athlete. She is able to thrive as a person in the classroom and on the court.A new eraThe NIL era has unlocked untapped doors for young athletes to offer opportunities to profit from not only themselves but their passions. As time moves on, expectation starts to grow and the pressure to perform is more than just sport.“The first thing for a young person to look at: Do they want to be engaged in sanctioned high school athletics, or do they not,” Kappes said.Luckily for Hatter the decision is easy as becoming the best player she can be is a simple mindset that continues to take her places. Hatter is not just navigating NIL – she is acting as a pioneer in a world that is still unknown and fresh – serving as a representation of young athletes to come.For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

NIL

Unrivaled Announces NIL Deals With College Stars JuJu Watkins, Azzi Fudd, More

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! JuJu Watkins, Flau’Jae Johnson and Azzi Fudd are three of 14 top women’s college basketball players that Unrivaled is signing to name, image and likeness deals, the league announced Saturday. It’s the second consecutive year that the 3-on-3 league that was founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna […]

Published

11 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

JuJu Watkins, Flau’Jae Johnson and Azzi Fudd are three of 14 top women’s college basketball players that Unrivaled is signing to name, image and likeness deals, the league announced Saturday.

It’s the second consecutive year that the 3-on-3 league that was founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart has had NIL with college players. In its inaugural season, Unrivaled had deals with Paige Bueckers and Johnson.

Watkins, who plays for USC but is sidelined with an ACL injury, has also previously been involved with Unrivaled as an investor in its Series A funding round.

Johnson, who is at LSU, and Fudd, at UConn, both were on hand for the announcement, as were Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and UConn’s Sarah Strong.

Other players signed include TCU’s Olivia Miles, UCLA’s Kiki Rice and Lauren and Sienna Betts, Texas’ Madison Booker, Iowa State’s Audi Crooks, LSU’s MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson and Michigan’s Syla Swords. The players range from sophomores to seniors.

Women’s basketball players have been able to take advantage of NIL opportunities over the last few years with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Bueckers and Johnson at the forefront of it. Reese played in Unrivaled in its first season.

[MORE: Top 10 Women’s College Basketball Players with the Highest NIL Valuations]

As part of the initiative, the class will be attending a multi-day event at the league’s headquarters in Miami, which will include skill development and content shoots.

“This transformational, first-of-its-kind initiative brings together the best of the best and reflects our deep commitment to elevating the women’s game and holistically supporting athletes,” Luke Cooper, President of Basketball Operations at Unrivaled, said in the initiative’s announcement. “Investing in elite women’s basketball talent is central to Unrivaled’s mission.”

Unrivaled completed its inaugural season this past March, and is gearing up for its second this coming January.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Kentucky baseball adds Belmont pitcher to 2026 roster through transfer portal

Nick Mingione continues to fill out Kentucky baseball’s 2026 roster through the portal. On Thursday night, Belmont right-handed pitcher Will Pryor announced he’s transferring to play for the Wildcats. A 6-foot-2 rising redshirt junior, the Tennessee native pitched 140.1 innings across his three seasons with the Bruins, posting 146 strikeouts with a 9-7 record and […]

Published

13 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Nick Mingione continues to fill out Kentucky baseball’s 2026 roster through the portal.

On Thursday night, Belmont right-handed pitcher Will Pryor announced he’s transferring to play for the Wildcats. A 6-foot-2 rising redshirt junior, the Tennessee native pitched 140.1 innings across his three seasons with the Bruins, posting 146 strikeouts with a 9-7 record and an ERA of 4.94 in 36 total appearances. As a sophomore in 2024, his opponents batted just .239 while his 62 strikeouts led the team.

“God is so good! I am blessed and beyond excited to announce that I’m continuing my college career at the University of Kentucky,” Pryor wrote on social media. “I want to thank the coaches for this amazing opportunity and my whole support system that’s helped me through this process. I am fired up to be a part of Big Blue Nation! Go Cats!”

Pryor will have two years of eligibility remaining at Kentucky. He becomes the 13th portal addition this offseason for Mingione and Co.

This past season, Pryor threw 25 innings, recording a 7.56 ERA with 26 strikeouts. He even took the mound against Kentucky back on Feb. 21, allowing two runs with six strikeouts in six innings of action, but was ultimately tagged with the loss. Of his five games played in 2025, his showing against the ‘Cats was arguably his best performance of the season.

Now, he’ll be the one pitching for Kentucky.

Kentucky Baseball 2026 Transfer Class

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Unrivaled Gives Top College Stars NIL Deals on WNBA’s Big Weekend

As the WNBA’s collective bargaining talks stall three months before the Oct. 31 deadline to get a new deal done, many of its likely future draft picks are helping market Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women’s pro basketball league entering its second season next winter. Lauren Betts (UCLA), Azzi Fudd (UConn) and Olivia Miles (TCU)—potentially the top […]

Published

30 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Lauren Betts (UCLA), Azzi Fudd (UConn) and Olivia Miles (TCU)—potentially the top three WNBA draft selections in 2026—are among the 14 college athletes who have signed marketing deals with Unrivaled ahead of its second season. The list also includes USC star JuJu Watkins and Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), both of whom already had equity in the league.

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Unrivaled announced the NIL deals during the WNBA’s 2025 All-Star weekend. The agreements come with no commitments for the signees to play in the startup venture founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.

Unrivaled’s monetary value for players is an ongoing point of discussion in the WNBA, because it has become a model for better pay. The 3-on-3 league’s average salary of $220,000 is near the WNBA’s max base salary. Many of the WNBA’s top players participated in Unrivaled’s first season, and it has now tied its name to many of the nation’s best college athletes.

Unrivaled-linked players set to join the WNBA in the coming years could enjoy the fruits of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s ongoing labor fight, which includes pushes for higher salaries and a greater share of leaguewide revenues. That is if the union achieves the “transformational” deal it seeks.

A WNBA work stoppage would be detrimental for the momentum of the league and its players—especially as fan engagement remains near an all-time high. Those involved in Unrivaled at least have some level of personal protection in the event of continued labor unrest, as many of them received equity as part of their deals to join the Miami-based venture.

Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, who participated in a well-attended CBA meeting in Indianapolis on Thursday, is among the WNBA players with equity in Unrivaled. The former UConn star will receive a check next year regardless of if the WNBA has a new CBA.

News of Bueckers’ lucrative three-year deal with Unrivaled leaked a day prior to the WNBA Draft in April, and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was forced to address it during her annual draft press conference. The Wings guard’s first-year Unrivaled salary reportedly exceeds what she’ll make in her first four years in the WNBA combined.

The six-team winter league, played across 10 weeks between January and March, has long stated that it was designed to be additive to the WNBA. It strives to be a domestic option for players who want to avoid competing overseas to supplement their income.

But as WNBA owners invest more into their teams and training facilities, some are asking for prioritization of the W over alt leagues such as Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited. Seattle Storm star Gabby Williams vocalized her frustration on the matter to reporters on Friday afternoon.

“It’s very clear that the league wants to push away all other leagues,” Williams said. “It would make sense if they were paying us more here but it’s not the case even with the new proposals.”

Collier, a vice president on the WNBPA executive committee, recently pushed back on critics who view her role leading CBA negotiations and being a co-founder of Unrivaled as a conflict of interest. The Minnesota Lynx star said Unrivaled only benefits the WNBA as it grows the profile and fandom surrounding its biggest stars.

Unrivaled has infiltrated WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis by setting up its own pop-up activation featuring game day fan experiences, player appearances and merch drops. It’s the latest move for the league to grow its presence beyond its Miami homebase.

The new crop of college players, including Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) and Madison Booker (Texas), backing the league will only help build that name recognition as the labor fight in the WNBA continues.

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Unrivaled Announces NIL Deals With College Stars JuJu Watkins, Azzi Fudd, More

Unrivaled has secured name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals with 14 prominent women’s college basketball players, including JuJu Watkins, Azzi Fudd, and Flau’Jae Johnson. This marks the second year that the league, founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has partnered with college athletes for NIL opportunities. Watkins, sidelined by an ACL injury, has previously […]

Published

51 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By the Numbers

14 top women’s college basketball players signed NIL deals.
Players range from sophomores to seniors including stars from USC, LSU, and UConn.

Yes, But

While the initiative has gained traction, the long-term impact of NIL deals on players’ college careers and overall dynamics in women’s college basketball remains uncertain, especially for athletes like Watkins, who are dealing with injuries.

State of Play

The 3-on-3 league will host a multi-day event for the signed players in Miami.
Last season’s existing partnerships included prominent players like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese.

What’s Next

As Unrivaled prepares for its second season starting in January, the league is expected to further develop athletes’ skills and expand its outreach in women’s basketball through additional NIL opportunities.

Bottom Line

This innovative initiative by Unrivaled not only strengthens the visibility of women’s basketball but also sets a precedent for supporting athletes’ growth and financial independence through NIL deals.

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Is South Carolina Football on track to join the nation’s elite in recruiting?

If there’s one thing all college football champions have in common, it’s raw talent: height, weight, speed, physical upside, etc. And South Carolina is showing signs of breaking into that tier of elite talent. More than a decade ago, the “Blue-Chip Ratio” (BCR) was created to measure the percentage of top-tier recruits (four and five […]

Published

1 hour ago

July 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

More than a decade ago, the “Blue-Chip Ratio” (BCR) was created to measure the percentage of top-tier recruits (four and five star) over a four-year span. Every national champion in the modern era has surpassed the 50% BCR threshold, confirming what Gamecock fans intuitively feel: talent matters.

What is the Blue-Chip Ratio?

Formula: The program needs to sign more four- and five-star recruits than two- and three-star across their last four recruiting classes.

Purpose: To determine if a team has the elite recruiting depth needed for a national title run.

Reality: The BCR is not a gambling tool, and it does not replace coaching, culture, or quarterback play, but it often makes the difference between a team making the playoff and national champion.

Recent BCR Champions:

Year Team BCR
2024 Ohio State 90%
2023 Michigan 54%
2022 Georgia 77%
2021 Georgia 80%
2020 Alabama 83%
2019 LSU 64%
2018 Clemson 61%

Ohio State’s 2025 National Championship title came with a record-high 90% BCR, proving that even in the new era of the NIL, top-level recruiting is the foundation for national success.

What about transfers?

Transfers are not included in the core BCR. The championship pedigree comes solely from high school talent. While additions from the Transfer Portal fill the gaps in rosters, they have not statistically built champions. Integrating transfers drops most BCRs, but it changes very little at the top.

Where South Carolina stands

According to this year’s BCR report, several big programs maintain elite numbers: Alabama (89%), Ohio State (89%), Georgia (84%), Texas A&M (82%), but consider this encouraging mention from the analysts: “If I had to guess, South Carolina and Ole Miss are likely to make the list grow to 20 in 2026, and no other school is remotely close to joining the club.”

In so many words, South Carolina isn’t just becoming a contender, the Gamecocks are knocking on the door of national elite talent in recruiting. If Shane Beamer and the coaching staff can keep landing top-tier talent in their recruiting class, year after year, South Carolina could crack the BCR threshold soon.

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Kelsey Plum slams Team Caitlin Clark during WNBA halftime interview: ‘We’re a lot better than them’

Team Collier enjoys a nice lead at halftime of the WNBA All-Star Game, up 22 points on Team Clark. A lot of points are on the board as well with the score sitting at 82-60. Unfortunately, a blowout might be on our hands and turns out, it’s exactly what Kelsey Plum is going for. ESPN’s […]

Published

1 hour ago

July 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ESPN’s Holly Rowe interviewed Plum before heading into the halftime locker room, saying the goal was to win by a large margin. She even jokingly said “We’re a lot better than them,” having some fun with the whole experience.

“I’m just playing hard,” Plum said. “We want to blow them out. We’re a lot better than them, I hate to say it… So, we’re just having fun with it.”

Plum might be working her way toward winning All-Star Game MVP. In just nine minutes played, she has 14 points on six of nine shooting. You can add four rebounds and an assist to the stat sheet as well, all with two quarters remaining in the game.

Team captain Napheesa Collier is leading the way, though. She goes into the break with 20 points and to this point, has only missed one shot from the field. Not much has gone wrong thus far from Indianapolis.

Of course, there is an important piece missing from Team Clark. Caitlin Clark herself was not able to suit up for the game due to an injury. It’s one she suffered on Tuesday night, reaggravating the groin issue she was previously dealing with.

WNBA players fighting for better pay amid CBA discussions

On Oct. 31, the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement will officially be over. A new deal needs to be reached between the league and the players’ association. It’s turning into a critical time for the WNBA as the league’s popularity continues to explode throughout the sports world.

One of the big issues players will be fighting for is better paychecks from the league. Caitlin Clark, alongside Napheesa Collier, spoke on the topic when speaking to the media ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday. Yes, off-court deals have gotten lucrative for players but higher pay is still wanted.

“WNBA All-Star capts. Napheesa Collier & Caitlin Clark addressing the media right now,” Annie Costabile of FOS said via X. “Both have fielded questions on the CBA. Clark said players are fortunate to have lucrative deals off the court, but they’re fighting for better W paychecks as the league continues to grow.”

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