Each member of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program will receive at least $25,000 during the 2022-23 season due to a name, image and likeness deal with the Garnet Trust and sports marketing firm NOCAP Sports.
Former South Carolina state representative Bakari Sellers is funding the deal in conjunction with other prominent alumni, according to NOCAP Sports.
The total of the NIL deal for 13 players is $325,000. The Gamecocks are defending NCAA champions.
“The South Carolina community and alumni network are proud to support the reigning national champs as they continue to build the best program in the country,” Sellers said in a news release. “NIL has created an awesome opportunity for these athletes to earn what they have always deserved, and we are excited to continue to support this team for years to come.”
Each player will be responsible for community appearances, social media engagement and sponsored interviews. The deal includes a partnership with Slate Milk, a protein health drink company.
“This is a great thing for our program, and I appreciate the work that went into creating this new pathway for our players to have some assurances that they will have NIL deals coming this season,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said in the release. “Bakari Sellers has been passionate about women’s basketball for a long time, and it’s great to have him show up in this way for our program. I can’t wait to see what opportunities are in front of our players through this deal and what can come next for them and our program in this space.”
South Carolina went 35-2 last season behind returning star Aliyah Boston for its fifth 30-win season under Staley. The Gamecocks also won the 2017 national title when A’ja Wilson was the star player.
–Field Level Media