• Loading stock data...
Saturday, March 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 6, 2025; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; New York Red Bulls fans celebrate after the match against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field.

USL’s Labor Negotiations Stretch Into Regular Season

Players protested during the first minute of matches on opening weekend.
Mar 7, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Trevor Best (12) is defended by Iowa State Cyclones guard Jamarion Batemon (1) and forward Dominykas Pleta (21) during the second half at James H. Hilton Coliseum.

College Sports Commission Says NIL Go System Under Strain

“The NIL market in college athletics is not a normal organic market.”
White House Trump college sports roundtable

Trump Says He’ll Issue Second Executive Order on College Sports

“The executive order is going to let colleges survive and players survive.”
Dec 18, 2011; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) runs for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Reggie Bush: NIL Era Wouldn’t Exist Without ‘My Story’

The former USC running back had his Heisman Trophy revoked for 14 years.

Featured Today

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Jun 9, 2021; Paris, France; The racket of Coco Gauff (USA) after she smashed it during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day 11 of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
March 6, 2026

The ‘Rage Room’ Is the Hottest Place in Tennis

The idea came from a player podcast.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”
Mar 12, 2026; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA; Scottie Scheffler plays his tee shot on the 16th hole during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship golf tournament.

Scottie Scheffler’s Modest Climb to World No. 1

Scheffler is particular about investments and endorsements.
Dec 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
March 12, 2026

Bucs Previously Duped by Fake Emeka Egbuka Account

The account was suspended after making a post regarding CTE.
Mar 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dunks against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Kaseya Center.
March 13, 2026

Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Game Sparks Collector Frenzy

“A performance like this instantly becomes part of NBA history.”
Sponsored

Paul Rabil: Why Owning a Team Is a 100x Bet

Paul Rabil shares how he left an established league to build PLL.
March 11, 2026

Ravens Pivot to Trey Hendrickson After Crosby Trade Collapses

The Ravens quickly pivoted after backing out of the Crosby deal.
Natasha Watley
March 11, 2026

Softball Legend From LA ‘Heartbroken’ Olympic Tourney Will Be in Oklahoma

The LA28 Olympics will feature softball again after eight years.
March 10, 2026

Clippers Keep Winning While Aspiration Ruling Looms

Los Angeles is .500 for the first time since November.
Venus Williams waves to fans as she walks off the court after her loss to Diane Parry in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Thursday, March 5, 2026.
March 10, 2026

Indian Wells $1M Mixed Doubles Purse Attracts Singles Stars

The tournament increased the prize money to $1 million from $370,000.