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DALLAS — LSU forward Angel Reese isn’t just leading her team to the Final Four. She’s also leading the entire sport in name, image, and likeness deals.
The 2023 AP All-American has inked a total of 17 NIL deals, according to a recent SponsorUnited report. Only four other Division I athletes have more than her — and none of them play basketball.
Reese has an estimated earning potential of $392,000, which ranks sixth across D-I women’s basketball. She previously said her NIL earnings top the value of a WNBA contract.
In addition to more traditional sports partnerships with companies like Bose and JanSport, Reese has partnered with brands that reflect her image as the “Bayou Barbie,” like luxury fashion brand Coach.
Juggling NIL and tournament play isn’t easy.
“It’s been a lot,” she told reporters on Thursday, explaining that she’s had to stick to a strict posting schedule. Reese’s last pregame post, for example, was Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.
NIL Support Staff
Reese isn’t the only Tiger with NIL success — her teammate Flau’jae Johnson has a budding rap career and a deal with RocNation.
But unlike other teams, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey isn’t involved at all. “I don’t want to deal with it,” Mulkey told reporters. “It’s too much. I just want to coach.”
Instead, Mulkey designated an assistant coach to help players navigate NIL.
Mulkey’s Tigers take on Virginia Tech in Friday’s first semifinal at 7 p.m. ET. Iowa faces South Carolina in the second game, with a 9 p.m. ET tipoff scheduled.
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