Monday, September 14, 2026

J.R. Smith Inks NIL Deal As Lululemon’s 1st Male Golf Endorser

  • Former NBA star JR Smith signed an NIL deal with Lululemon.
  • Smith, who earned $90M in his NBA career, now plays golf as a freshman at North Carolina A&T.
Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

Since college athletes have been allowed to strike corporate sponsorship deals, thousands across the country have done so — including NBA legend JR Smith. 

The 36-year-old became Lululemon’s first male golf endorser after signing a deal to highlight the brand’s Evolution Polo line. 

Smith, a second-semester freshman, made $90 million over his 16-year NBA career with five teams. 

The two-time NBA champion signed with Excel Sports Management in January after enrolling as a freshman at North Carolina A&T, where he competes as a golfer. 

The brand also partners with former top-ranked golfer Lydia Ko, as well as tennis star Leylah Fernandez, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, and Olympic runner Colleen Quigley, among others.

He has reportedly garnered attention from golf and video game companies, as well.

Lululemon earned $6 billion in 2021, smashing its previous high with a 43% year-over-year increase.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart looks on before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

NIL Got Kirby Smart to Give In on All-White Uniforms

Georgia will debut the look vs. Western Kentucky on Saturday.

Charlie Woods Signs NIL Deal With TaylorMade Golf

Woods has already been mostly using TaylorMade equipment.
Emory Eagles guard Ben Pearce (10) passes around Mary Washington Eagles forward Jay Randall (11) on Sunday, April 5, 2026, during the NCAA DIII men's basketball championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Division III Basketball Star Sues NCAA for 5th Year of Eligibility

If the case is successful, thousands more NCAA athletes could receive eligibility.
First at FOS

Illinois’s $30M Busey Bank Deal: Exec Road Trips, Player Job Pipeline

The jersey patch deal is part of an overall $30 million sponsorship.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/14/26 – US Open Crowns Champs, ESPN’s Ted Cruz Controversy, FOS Tonight Premieres

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up against the Seattle Seahawks prior to a game at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mahomes Comeback Kicks Off ESPN ‘MNF’ Coverage

The two-time NFL MVP is completing a remarkable injury recovery.
September 12, 2026

Rybakina Wins First US Open Title, World No. 1, and $5.5M

The 27-year-old will officially become No. 1 in the world on Monday.
September 13, 2026

Myles Garrett’s Knee Surgery Adds to Rams’ Early Woes

He’ll miss at least four games on IR.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
September 11, 2026

Taylor Fritz’s Latest Ball Complaint: Retail Ones Are ‘Miserable’

Fritz was knocked out of the US Open in the third round.
September 11, 2026

US Open Ticket Prices Collapse for First Men’s Semifinal

The get-in for Zverev-Khachanov dipped below $30 Friday morning.
September 9, 2026

Late-Night Shelton-Alcaraz Thriller Raises Questions for US Open

Alcaraz and Shelton’s match ended at 3:34 a.m. ET.
September 8, 2026

Puka Nacua Remains Eligible for Rams Australia Opener

His disciplinary case is still under review.