High Schoolers Already Profiting

When the NCAA changed its NIL policy, it opened the door for high schoolers to profit without losing their college eligibility. They’re already taking advantage.

The most recent deal? Jada Williams, a 2023 UCLA basketball commit, who joined Spalding’s ambassador program, the company announced on Thursday. 

She represents a class of highly marketable high school players, a few of whom have already jumped into NIL before moving into their college dorm room.

• Five-star recruit Mikey Williams, also the class of 2023, signed with Excel Sports Management in July. He’s “closing” on a deal with Puma, according to The Athletic.
• Grassroots sports streaming service BallerTV made NFTs of 30 boy’s basketball players at this summer’s Pangos All-American Camp. The NFTs went for $99-$250.
• Jada Williams boasts more than 12,000 followers on Twitter and 300,000 on Instagram, while Mikey Williams has 3.3 million on Instagram and more than 59,000 on Twitter.

Jada Williams, the No. 21-ranked recruit, will join Spalding alongside professional players like Damian Lillard and DeMar DeRozan. She’ll work on marketing campaigns, events to promote women’s youth basketball, and collaborate on a “limited-edition” basketball series. 

Experts previously told FOS that high school NIL opportunities probably won’t be as lucrative as the college landscape. But a select few social media stars like Mikey Williams could make millions. 

A spokesperson declined to reveal compensation information for Jada Williams’ deal.