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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.

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