Yeah I can imagine it's a risky business to sign an athlete on an NIL deal for them to potentially go with another brand when they turn pro. I imagine there are provisions baked into Flagg's NB deal that will see it converted into a longer-term signature deal after college.
Super interesting insights on the T&F NIL world — that's one sport I know a little less about. Thanks for sharing!
Truthfully, I don't think Flagg leaves NB once he hits the league. Nike won't give him a sig shoe until he proves himself. They took that chance with Zion (even though he's Jordan brand) and he has sat more than he's played. At Nike he'll be one of the many, while at NB he will be the only. Kawhi's body is breaking down and none of the other basketball athletes they have are of the same caliber. He could be the Curry of NB. It also helps NB's US factories are in Maine.
Great read. With NIL, we’re seeing a similar brand clash in track & field as well. I’m interested to know how long Flagg’s NB contract is— many NCAA runners have shoe NILs until the end of their college career or college +1 extra year deals. This had led to scenarios where an athlete has secured a NIL deal, but then signs with another brand once they’re pro. Seems like a total gamble on high school and college kids, but I don’t know how shoe brands value T&F NILs currently, especially with the limitations of what athletes can compete in depending on their university.
Thanks for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Yeah I can imagine it's a risky business to sign an athlete on an NIL deal for them to potentially go with another brand when they turn pro. I imagine there are provisions baked into Flagg's NB deal that will see it converted into a longer-term signature deal after college.
Super interesting insights on the T&F NIL world — that's one sport I know a little less about. Thanks for sharing!
Truthfully, I don't think Flagg leaves NB once he hits the league. Nike won't give him a sig shoe until he proves himself. They took that chance with Zion (even though he's Jordan brand) and he has sat more than he's played. At Nike he'll be one of the many, while at NB he will be the only. Kawhi's body is breaking down and none of the other basketball athletes they have are of the same caliber. He could be the Curry of NB. It also helps NB's US factories are in Maine.
Great read. With NIL, we’re seeing a similar brand clash in track & field as well. I’m interested to know how long Flagg’s NB contract is— many NCAA runners have shoe NILs until the end of their college career or college +1 extra year deals. This had led to scenarios where an athlete has secured a NIL deal, but then signs with another brand once they’re pro. Seems like a total gamble on high school and college kids, but I don’t know how shoe brands value T&F NILs currently, especially with the limitations of what athletes can compete in depending on their university.