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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs New NIL Bill Into Law

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law on Thursday morning that will dramatically alter NIL regulations in the Lone Star State, and the Texas A&M Aggies best take notice. According to Nick Schultz of On3, HB126 will allow colleges to directly pay athletes, putting Texas in line with the recent House v. NCAA settlement. […]

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs New NIL Bill Into Law

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law on Thursday morning that will dramatically alter NIL regulations in the Lone Star State, and the Texas A&M Aggies best take notice.

According to Nick Schultz of On3, HB126 will allow colleges to directly pay athletes, putting Texas in line with the recent House v. NCAA settlement. It will also allow high school athletes age 17 or over to sign NIL deals, whereas only collegiate athletes could previously.

State Rep. Brandon Creighton sponsored the bill, with the state House and Senate both signing it on Sunday. The law is effective immediately following Abbott’s signing.

Texas A&M Aggies athletic director Trev Alberts looks on in the first half against the Houston Cougars.

Texas A&M Aggies athletic director Trev Alberts looks on in the first half against the Houston Cougars. / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

“Unless a prospective student-athlete younger than 17 years of age is enrolled at an institution of higher education, an individual, corporate entity, or other organization, including an institution to which this section applies, may not enter into an arrangement relating to the athlete’s name, image, or likeness with the athlete or with an individual related to the athlete by consanguinity or affinity,” the law states.

Under the House v. NCAA settlement, schools will be able to pay athletes up to $20.5 million starting in 2025-26, the first school year of a 10-year agreement. Schools will also be able to participate in revenue sharing.

Recently, Aggies head football coach Mike Elko shared his criticism of the House v. NCAA settlement, though he mostly took issue with the timing of the whole ordeal.

I couldn’t imagine an NFL team getting halfway through the offseason and deciding to change their salary cap rules,” Elko said. “That’s what I guess we’re doing.”

“What are the professional models, and what do they seem to look like? It certainly seems as though free agency happens once, not twice, and it happens right after the season before you start practicing. That seems to be the landscape for every single professional league across the world. So why we believe that that should not be how this works, it is hard to get your head wrapped around.”

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Louisville basketball 2025

Louisville basketball’s 2025-26 roster appears set now that the NCAA has granted Aly Khalifa’s appeal for an additional season of eligibility.Khalifa is one of the Cardinals’ five returners from Year 1 of the Pat Kelsey era.The seven newcomers include three Division I veterans from the NCAA transfer portal, three international signees and one highly touted […]

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Louisville basketball 2025


Louisville basketball’s 2025-26 roster appears set now that the NCAA has granted Aly Khalifa’s appeal for an additional season of eligibility.Khalifa is one of the Cardinals’ five returners from Year 1 of the Pat Kelsey era.The seven newcomers include three Division I veterans from the NCAA transfer portal, three international signees and one highly touted prospect from the high school ranks.Louisville basketball received some good news Friday, when it learned Aly Khalifa won his NCAA appeal for an additional season of eligibility.

With that, it appears as if the Cardinals’ roster for Year 2 of the Pat Kelsey era is set.

U of L returns five players from Kelsey’s inaugural campaign, during which the program reached the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time and ended a March Madness drought dating back to 2019. Its seven newcomers include three Division I veterans from the NCAA transfer portal, three international products and one highly touted prospect from the high school ranks.

Here’s a rundown of the scholarship players on the Cards’ 2025-26 roster, which is garnering sky-high expectations:

Mar 31, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; McDonald’s All American West guard Mikel Brown Jr. (11) shoots the ball during the Sprite Jam Fest at Barclay's Center. Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images

Mikel Brown Jr. is the 29th McDonald’s All-American in Louisville history. The 6-foot-3 product of DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, ranks among the top 10 players in the Class of 2025, regardless of position, on the 247Sports Composite. In February, ESPN had the incoming freshman point guard as a lottery pick in its first mock 2026 NBA Draft.

Mouhamed Camara, a 20-year-old forward, has been honing his game at NBA Academy Africa since 2023. The 6-7 Senegal native reportedly averaged 10.6 points, seven rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.5 blocks across academy events over the past year. As of Friday, he was the only new addition who had not yet been introduced as a signee.

Jan 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Ryan Conwell (7) celebrates with fans after defeating the Villanova Wildcats at the Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Louisville is Ryan Conwell‘s fourth school in as many years. The 6-4 guard from Indianapolis was Xavier’s second-best scorer in 2024-25, averaging 16.5 points on 45% shooting en route to third-team All-Big East honors. He led the Musketeers in made 3s (99) and attempts (240), good for a 41.3% clip, and also tallied 2.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists against 1.6 turnovers and 1.3 steals across 33 minutes per game.

Sananda Fru, a 6-11 forward, played in Germany’s top-flight Basketball Bundesliga from 2021-25. This season, the 21-year-old was named its Best Young German Player after averaging 12.3 points on 66% shooting with 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 29 games (28 starts) for Löwen Braunschweig.

Nov 28, 2024; Paradise Island, Bahamas, BHS; Louisville Cardinals guard J'Vonne Hadley (1) drives to the basket as West Virginia Mountaineers guard Toby Okani (5) defends during the first half at Imperial Arena at the Atlantis resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

 J’Vonne Hadley decided to run it back with Louisville after being granted an additional year of eligibility due to his time spent in the junior college ranks. The Minnesota native was the consummate glue guy for the Cards in 2024-25. He started all 35 games, led the team in rebounding (7.3), finished fourth in scoring (12.2) and punched above his 6-6 frame defensively.

Louisville center Aly Khalifa during Louisville Live at the KFC Yum! Center Friday night. Oct. 4, 2024

A deft passer, Khalifa led the Big 12 (and all DI bigs) with a 3.6 assist-turnover ratio in 2023-24 as a junior at BYU to go along with 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds across 19.4 minutes per game. The 6-11 Egyptian sat out of the 2024-25 season to recover from surgery to repair a hole in the cartilage of his left knee and proceeded to lose 50 pounds with the help of strength coach Eli Foy.

Dec 18, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Isaac McKneely (11) is introduced prior to the Cavaliers' game against the Memphis Tigers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Virginia transfer Isaac McKneely was the ACC’s most accurate 3-point shooter in 2024-25 with a clip of 42.1% (101 for 240). The 6-4 guard from Poca, West Virginia, led the Cavaliers in scoring with 14.4 points on 43.9% shooting to go along with 2.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds across 34 minutes per contest as a junior. For his career, he is 233 for 552 (42.2%) from beyond the arc.

Louisville Cardinals forward Kasean Pryor (7) flexes after a first half slam dunk against Spalding University in the Cards' second exhibition game at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

Kasean Pryor waited until the day the transfer portal closed to announce his return to Louisville for the 2025-26 season after a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee cut short his 2024-25 campaign in late November. Across seven appearances, the 6-10 forward from Chicago averaged 12 points on 36.8% shooting (5 for 33 from 3) with 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks across 23 minutes per.

Louisville Cardinals guard Kobe Rodgers (11) makes a pass during practice before the first round of the 2025 NCAA men's basketball tournament In Lexington, Kentucky Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Kobe Rodgers redshirted last season to recover from a knee injury he suffered during Charleston’s first-round loss to Alabama in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. In his first campaign playing for Kelsey, he averaged 9.7 points on 50% shooting with 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and a 1.4 assist-turnover ratio. Before signing with the Cougars in 2023, the 6-3 guard from Cincinnati was part of a Nova Southeastern team that went 36-0 and won the DII national championship.

Louisville Cardinals forward Khani Rooths (9) goes for a shot against UTEP Miners forward Elijah Jones (33) during their game on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.

The lone freshman on Louisville’s 2024-25 roster, Khani Rooths, showed flashes of potential throughout the season. The 6-8 forward from Washington, D.C., averaged only 3.3 points on 39.3% shooting and three rebounds across 13.4 minutes per game but threw down some of the most electrifying dunks of the campaign.

April 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Three members of the Paul W. Bryant High basketball team signed their letters to play college basketball Tuesday. Adrian Wooley, who signed to play at Kennesaw State, embraces his mother, LaTonya, as she cries tears of joy.

Kennesaw State transfer Adrian Wooley, the reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Year, had one of the most productive 2024-25 campaigns of any DI newcomer across the country. The 6-5 guard from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finished the regular season ranked fifth among first-year players in scoring (18.5), sixth in field-goal percentage (51.3%) and 13th in assists (3.5) — with 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game to boot.

Evangelos “Vangelis” Zougris, 20, has spent the past four seasons playing for Peristeri B.C. in the Greek Basketball League. The 6-8 forward averaged 7.9 points on 68.5% shooting with 4.6 rebounds across 23 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign. He has also earned playing time on Greece’s senior national team, logging five games in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.

Reach Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.

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Julian Lewis: College Football Rising Star with $100 Million NIL Ambitions

Julian Lewis, a freshman at Colorado Buffaloes, is being compared to NIL earners like Shedeur Sanders and Cooper Flagg, despite doubts about his potential. An article suggested Lewis could target $100 million in NIL earnings, but critics argue that this is unrealistic given the current landscape of college athletics. With an early NIL valuation of […]

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Julian Lewis, a freshman at Colorado Buffaloes, is being compared to NIL earners like Shedeur Sanders and Cooper Flagg, despite doubts about his potential. An article suggested Lewis could target $100 million in NIL earnings, but critics argue that this is unrealistic given the current landscape of college athletics. With an early NIL valuation of $1.1 million, a successful debut season could enhance his status, yet reaching Sanders’ $6.5 million from 2024 seems improbable. The investment focus for Colorado is shifting towards developing undervalued players rather than replicating past NIL spending. Operators in the college sports sector may require a significant overhaul for Lewis to approach such lofty financial figures.

By the Numbers

  • Julian Lewis currently has an NIL valuation of $1.1 million.
  • Shedeur Sanders earned $6.5 million in NIL deals in 2024.

Yes, But

While ambitious projections exist for Lewis, experts highlight that reaching such figures requires monumental changes in the college sports NIL framework. Detractors emphasize that current market conditions and potential federal regulations put long-term earnings at risk.

State of Play

  • Colorado is shifting its investment strategy from high NIL spending to player development.
  • Current NIL deals focus on enhancing player branding rather than reaching unprecedented sums.

What’s Next

The upcoming college season will be crucial for Lewis to establish his brand and boost his NIL valuation. Observers will watch how the Buffaloes adapt their strategy to balance player development with earnings potential.

Bottom Line

While Julian Lewis may have a promising start in NIL earnings, the notion of him reaching $100 million is highly speculative. The focus must shift towards sustainable growth and development in college athletics amidst evolving regulations and market dynamics.





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Power conferences best prepare teams in college football | News, Sports, Jobs

After an offseason of preoccupation with the transfer portal and NIL negotiations, coaches and players are about a month away from getting back to the real business of college football. Theoretically, the ultimate objective is still to win games. Lucrative income, draft position and promotional opportunities are all enhanced by victories, especially on the sport’s […]

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After an offseason of preoccupation with the transfer portal and NIL negotiations, coaches and players are about a month away from getting back to the real business of college football.

Theoretically, the ultimate objective is still to win games. Lucrative income, draft position and promotional opportunities are all enhanced by victories, especially on the sport’s biggest stage.

For FBS teams, that stage is the College Football Playoff.

In years past, when rosters remained relatively intact and players maxed out their eligibility, it was easier to forecast the national championship contenders entering the season.

Penn State’s national championship in 1986 was the fulfillment of the promise that defined the ’85 team which was beaten by Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl title tilt.

If there is one reasonable expectation for the 2025 season, it is that the eventual champion will hail from a power conference.

The last independent to win the national championship was Miami (Fla.) in 1989. The last team from a non-power conference to win the championship was WAC member BYU in 1984.

When BYU won the title 41 years ago, the championship was determined by polls. The Cougars played only one ranked team all season — No. 3 Pitt in the opener — and completed a 13-0 season by defeating a 6-5 Michigan team in the Holiday Bowl, which was contested before Christmas.

Depending on seeding in the current playoff format, a team might be required to run a gauntlet of four games.

Could a highly ranked non-power conference team prevail over even three consecutive opponents from the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC and SEC?

Conventional wisdom says “No.”

A common criticism of Penn State’s non-conference schedule is that it does not adequately prepare the Nittany Lions for the season’s biggest challenges, which have traditionally been Michigan and Ohio State.

That same contention will be made again this season if Penn State loses to defending Big Ten champion Oregon on Sept. 27 after opening against Nevada, FIU and Villanova, all at home.

With their wealth of resources, teams such as Notre Dame, Texas, Ohio State, Michigan, PSU, Alabama and Georgia are expected to contend annually for a playoff spot.

It’s the sleepers from the power conferences such as Arizona State and Indiana that infuse the postseason with excitement and unpredictability.

However, not all CFP teams from power conferences are equally fortified.

SMU, champion of the ACC, had the look of a deer staring into the headlights of an 18-wheeler throughout the CFP first-round game at Beaver Stadium last December.

Similarly, Boise State’s No. 3 seeding and 17-point loss to the Nittany Lions in the quarterfinals strengthened the case for changing the seeding procedures.

The Broncos’ Mountain West Conference championship and three-point loss to then-No. 7 Oregon camouflaged deficiencies that a power conference schedule would have exposed.

The stakes are particularly high this season at USC, LSU and Oklahoma State where head coaches Lincoln Riley, Brian Kelly and Mike Gundy, respectively, are testing the patience of their fan bases.

LSU’s opener at Clemson already has Kelly pulling out all stops.

“We’ve circled the game, and I’ve never done that before in openers,” Kelly said. “It’s all over our weight room. It’s all over workouts. We’re wearing shirts. We’re doing the kumbaya of we’re playing Clemson, and we need to beat Clemson.”

With that sense of urgency, and top-shelf scheduling, there’s no denying that the LSU program will be all business this season.

On the field, that is.

Jim Caltagirone writes a monthly column for the Mirror.



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June 28, 2025 – Bulldawg Illustrated

Jump To Top of Pag The most significant transformation in college football recruiting over the last three years has been the evolution of the NCAA Transfer Portal into a de facto free agency system, alongside the seismic shift brought on by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the resulting “open bidding wars.” This continuous […]

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Jump To Top of Pag

The most significant transformation in college football recruiting over the last three years has been the evolution of the NCAA Transfer Portal into a de facto free agency system, alongside the seismic shift brought on by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the resulting “open bidding wars.” This continuous player movement has fundamentally altered roster construction and the timeline for competitive success. It has prompted a strategic and vocal response from the University of Georgia’s head coach, Kirby Smart, who has both adapted to and criticized the new landscape.

For UGA, a program built on elite high school recruiting and player development, the transfer portal presents both challenges and opportunities. While the Bulldogs continue to recruit top-tier talent through traditional cycles, the portal has become an undeniable force in shaping the final makeup of their roster each season.

Kirby Smart’s Two-Front Approach: Adaptation and Advocacy

Kirby Smart’s response to the rise of the transfer portal can be characterized as a two-front approach: advocating for systemic changes while privately adapting his recruiting and roster management strategies.

Publicly, Smart has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the current transfer portal windows, particularly their timing and frequency. He has consistently argued for a consolidated and logical calendar, expressing frustration with the chaotic nature of managing a roster while players are actively entering the transfer portal during crucial periods, such as preparation for bowl games and the College Football Playoff.

“The biggest decision that has to be made in college football right now, by far… is when is the portal window, and is there one or two?” Smart said, advocating for a single, later window that would allow teams to complete their seasons before player movement begins.

However, behind the scenes, Smart and his staff have demonstrated a remarkable ability to utilize the portal to their strategic advantage. Rather than completely overhauling their roster, Georgia’s approach has been targeted and needs-based. They have sought specific positions where there is weakness or lack of depth, bringing in experienced players who can make an immediate impact. Recent acquisitions have included key players at wide receiver, defensive back, and even on the offensive line—positions where finding immediate, game-ready talent through the high school ranks can be particularly challenging.

A “Culture Fit” Philosophy and Emphasis on the Trenches

One cornerstone of Smart’s portal strategy is his strong emphasis on “culture fit.” He has consistently asserted that Georgia will not simply recruit the most talented players available; instead, they will target players who align with the program’s demanding work ethic and team-first mentality. “We evaluate the transfer portal on who fits our culture more than who fits our talent level,” Smart explained. This philosophy aims to lessen the risks associated with integrating players who may not adapt well to the demanding environment at Georgia, thus protecting the locker room culture that has been crucial to their success.

Coach Smart strongly believes that the foundation of a championship team is built through high school recruiting, especially along the lines of scrimmage. He has voiced concerns about the scarcity of elite linemen in the transfer portal, reinforcing his commitment to identifying, recruiting, and developing these vital positions from the ground up. Long-term investment in the trenches remains the cornerstone of his program-building philosophy, with the portal serving as a supplemental tool rather than a primary source of talent.

Impact on High School Recruiting and Roster Management

The rise of the transfer portal has subtly yet significantly impacted UGA’s high school recruiting strategy. The coaching staff must anticipate potential departures to the portal and strategically maintain a small number of scholarships open to accommodate incoming transfers who can address immediate needs.

This has resulted in a more fluid, year-round approach to roster construction. The lines between the end of one recruiting cycle and the beginning of the next have blurred, particularly with portal windows in December and April/May becoming critical periods for talent acquisition alongside the traditional early signing period and National Signing Day.

The maturation of the transfer portal into a constant, high-stakes marketplace for player talent stands out as the most significant non-NFL change in college football recruiting over the last three years. At the University of Georgia, Kirby Smart has addressed this new reality with a blend of public critique and private adaptation.

113 Dawgs Make the 2024-25 First-Year Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll

Ryland Zaborowski

A total of 113 University of Georgia student-athletes were named to the 2024-25 First-Year Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, the league office announced. 

The First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll is based on grades from the 2024-25 academic calendar. 

Any student-athlete who participates in a Southeastern Conference championship sport, has a grade point average of 3.00 or higher, and has completed a minimum of 24 semester hours is eligible for nomination.

First-year student-athletes in all sports are eligible to be named to the Honor Roll upon completion of their first full academic year in residence. 

The following student athletes were named to the 2024-25 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll: 

Baseball

Cade Brown (Business), Zachary Brown (Sport Management), Robert Burnet (Housing Management & Policy), Justin Byrd (Sport Management), Davis Chastain (Sport Management), Bryce Clavon (Real Estate), Brian Curley (Psychology), Alton Davis (Sport Management), Eric Hammond (Graduate Studies), Brennan Hudson (Finance), Daniel Jackson (Sport Management), Nolan McCarthy (Graduate Studies), Lucas Morici (Housing Management & Policy), JT Quinn (Consumer Economics), Asher Sabom (Management), Jordan Stephens (Management), Nathaniel Taylor (Business), Ryland Zaborowski (Graduate Studies)

Men’s Basketball

Justin Abson (Sport Management), Somto Cyril (Communication Studies), Savo Drezgic (Housing Management & Policy), Jordyn Kee (Housing Management & Policy), Tyrin Lawrence (Arts and Sciences), Dakota Leffew (Arts and Sciences), De’Shayne Montgomery (Housing Management & Policy), Asa Newell (Housing Management & Policy)

Women’s Basketball

Indya Davis (Management), Summer Davis (Management), Nyah Levereter (Journalism), Roxane Makolo Mualuja (Business Analytics)

Equestrian

Kendall Dean (Journalism), Emma DeJong (Communication Studies),Skyler Ezzell (Management), Caroline Fletcher (Agribusiness), Mia Frigon (Management), Katelyn Jedele (Animal Biosciences), Emma Lackey (Finance), Sienna Pilla (Marketing), Lendon Reeder (Agricultural Communication), Baylie Robbins (Management Information Systems), Ellie Royal (Risk Management and Insurance), Lauren Sanders (International Business and Management), Ella Wit (International Affairs)

Football

Ethan Barbour (Finance), Marcus Harrison (Intended Business Unspecified), Jahzare Jackson (Sport Management), Drew Miller (Marketing), Dwight Phillips (Real Estate)

Men’s Golf

James Earle (Real Estate), Grayson Wood (Consumer Economics)

Women’s Golf

Chantal El Chaib (Journalism), Candace Lou (Sport Management), Morgan Smith (Finance)

Gymnastics

Nyla Aquino (Criminal Justice), Csenge Bacskay (Communication Studies), Sadie Jane Berry (Communication Studies), Alexis Czarrunchick (Business), Kara Eaker (Furnishings and Interiors), Brooke Gleichowski (Sport Management), Emma Mason (Biomedical Physiology), Aberdeen O’Driscoll (Arts and Sciences), Harley Tomlin (Arts and Sciences)

Soccer

Nicole Bidun (Management), Sophia Brelage (Marketing), Cayla Jackson (Management)

Softball

Paislie Allen (Sport Management), Precious Bross (Sport Management), Mollie Mitchell (Management),Randi Roelling (Agribusiness), Ella Trout (Exercise and Sport Science), Esther White (Biomedical Physiology), Mua Williams (Sport Management)

Men’s Swimming and Diving

Bo Bridges (Sport Management), Renato Calderaro (Financial Planning), Will Gavin (Exercise and Sport Science), Drew Hitchcock (Accounting), Aiden Sadler (Cellular Biology), Elliot Woodburn (Management Information Systems)

Women’s Swimming and Diving

Ivy Buckley (Comm Sci and Disorders), Charlote Headland (Health Promotion), Marie Landreneau (Human Development and Family Science), Simany Lee (International Business and Management), Elle Noecker (Journalism), Helena Pinto Coelho Lopes (Psychology and Biology), Samantha Rydzewski (Furnishings and Interiors), Katie Belle Sikes (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), Nyla Thompson (Exercise and Sport Science)

Men’s Tennis

Oscar Pinto Sansano (Political Science)

Women’s Tennis

Sarah Branicki (Special Education), Hayden Mulberry (Marketing)

Men’s Track and Field

Shemar Chambers (Graduate Studies), London Costen (Communication Studies), Jordan Fick (Sport Management), Jayden Keys (Finance), Edwin Kurjak (Mathematics), Joseph Minecci (Biological Science), Xai Ricks (Business), Mark Trammell (Finance), Maximus Tucker (Ocean Science)

Women’s Track and Field

Toni Birden (Consumer Economics), Elizabeth Cowley (Avian Biology), Lianna Davidson (Social Entr Cons Well-Being), Kayla Dickerson (Biology and Psychology), Sanaa Frederick (Arts and Sciences), Sole Frederick (Journalism), Rylee Hampton (Public Relations), Adaejah Hodge (Sport Management), Dejanea Oakley (International Affairs), Katherine Robinson (International Affairs and Political Science), Michelle Smith (Biomedical Physiology), Skylynn Townsend (Biomedical Physiology), Isabel Yonas (Exercise and Sport Science)

Volleyball

Emma Duffield (Psychology)

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AJ Dybantsa Reveals LeBron James Workouts And Mamba Motivation

AJ Dybantsa Reveals LeBron James Workouts And Mamba Motivation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. For AJ Dybantsa, his future aspirations are pretty cut and dry. He’ll spend the next year at BYU under the guidance of Kevin Young before making a leap to the NBA. That’s the plan currently being implemented and will be fun […]

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AJ Dybantsa Reveals LeBron James Workouts And Mamba Motivation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

For AJ Dybantsa, his future aspirations are pretty cut and dry. He’ll spend the next year at BYU under the guidance of Kevin Young before making a leap to the NBA. That’s the plan currently being implemented and will be fun to watch.

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The top incoming basketball recruit recently made the cover of Men’s Health with a feature piece as part of the top athletes in the high school class of 2025. Dybantsa shared insight about his future and how he’s being groomed as the next NBA star. An amazing factor about him comes after he reclassified up a year to attend BYU early.

Dybantsa’s game—a mix of above-the-rim finishing, midrange shot making, and elastic defense—is already at a pro level. “I’ve worked out with Bron,” Dybantsa drops casually, referring to NBA ironman LeBron James. “I’ve worked out with a lot of the top guys. I wish I had the chance to work out with Kobe.” He cites Bryant’s Mamba mentality as an inspiration and wears Nike Kobe 5s.

If there is one player who fits the mold of the NBA’s next generation, Dybantsa has got next. Kobe left us all prematurely, but his top-notch approach still lives on through one of AJ’s mentors, Kevin Durant, who is another player helping guide Dybantsa’s career. The newest member of the Houston Rockets had Young as an assistant coach during their time together with the Phoenix Suns.

Related: BYU phenom AJ Dybantsa shows off Nike ‘Air Bakin’ KD18 player edition

It was widely reported BYU offered Dybansta a $5 million NIL package, but money wasn’t the deciding factor. The culture with Young’s NBA-ready system spoke volumes to the nation’s top talent, leaving him blown away by the direction the Cougars were headed in. Dybantsa also gained deals with Red Bull and Nike before stepping foot on campus. But said he hasn’t gotten to the point of splurging yet. Even though, he recently took the title as college basketball’s top NIL earner.

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There’s no doubt that Dybantsa will be one of the most electrifying players to watch next season.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.



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Roger Federer joins elite ranks of athlete billionaires

Tennis icon Roger Federer has now achieved the rare distinction of becoming a billionaire, placing him among a select few athletes to reach this financial milestone. While his illustrious 24-year playing career, which concluded in 2022, saw him accumulate $130.6 million in prize money through 20 Grand Slam victories between 2003 and 2018, the predominant […]

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Roger Federer joins elite ranks of athlete billionaires


Roger Federer

Tennis icon Roger Federer has now achieved the rare distinction of becoming a billionaire, placing him among a select few athletes to reach this financial milestone.

While his illustrious 24-year playing career, which concluded in 2022, saw him accumulate $130.6 million in prize money through 20 Grand Slam victories between 2003 and 2018, the predominant portion of his vast wealth has been derived from substantial sponsorship agreements and a strategic investment in a Swiss sneaker company.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Federer’s net worth stands at approximately $1.3 billion, positioning him alongside other sports legends.

For context, Michael Jordan’s wealth was estimated at $3.5 billion following the sale of his stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, and Tiger Woods’ net worth was calculated at about $1.36 billion last year by Bloomberg.

The power of endorsements and strategic investments

Sources close to Federer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicate his net worth is considerably above $1 billion.

Bloomberg’s valuation methodology incorporates Federer’s career earnings, investment returns, and endorsement deals, adjusted for prevailing Swiss tax rates and market performance.

A significant aspect of Federer’s enduring financial success lies in the longevity of many of his commercial partnerships.

He has maintained multi-decade relationships with prominent brands such as Credit Suisse Bank (now UBS Group AG), luxury watchmaker Rolex, and Swiss chocolatier Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG.

Beyond individual deals, Federer has meticulously cultivated a robust advisory network.

This includes Team8, the management company he co-founded in 2013 with his long-time agent Tony Godsick, as well as the Swiss firm Format A AG, which assists in managing various investments and his charitable foundation.

Sports analyst Bob Dorfman commented on Federer’s market appeal, noting, “Federer is totally scandal-free. He never says the wrong thing… But in terms of marketability, he’s been one of tennis’s best.”

A lucrative transition and an accidental windfall

Interestingly, some of Federer’s most financially significant deals materialized towards the latter stages of his playing career.

A notable example is his long-standing contract with Nike Inc., originally signed in 1996, which came up for renewal around 2018.

As tennis was not a primary focus for Nike, Godsick explored alternative partners.

This led to a substantial 10-year, $300 million offer from Uniqlo, a brand owned by Japan’s Fast Retailing Co., to become one of their flagship sports icons.

This agreement was particularly advantageous given Federer was 37 and nearing retirement; the deal included no obligations, even if he ceased playing, making it a highly attractive proposition.

However, even more impactful than his Uniqlo deal was an investment stemming from an unexpected introduction.

Federer’s wife inadvertently initiated the connection by purchasing a pair of sneakers from the emerging Swiss brand On.

Founded in 2010, On had gained recognition for its high-end jogging shoes featuring a distinctive sole, a design that originated from co-founder Olivier Bernhard’s prototype involving garden hose offcuts taped to his trainers.

Since Uniqlo does not produce footwear, Federer was free to pursue a shoe sponsor.

A self-professed sneaker enthusiast with a collection exceeding 250 pairs (excluding those used for playing), Federer initiated a meeting with On’s founders in Zurich.

Godsick also had a pre-existing connection, having made an angel investment in the company.

This led to a deal where Federer acquired an approximate 3% stake in On Holding AG and contributed to shoe design.

On is now valued at nearly $17 billion, which, according to Bloomberg’s wealth index, makes Federer’s stake worth at least $500 million.

Federer has, to date, avoided overexposure through extensive commentary roles or questionable sponsorships.

His recent public engagements include waving the French flag to commence the Le Mans endurance car race and launching a new Uniqlo clothing collection in Paris.

He is also expected to attend Wimbledon, the site of many of his greatest triumphs, when the tournament begins next week.

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