The landmark deal between King and the Panthers sets a precedent for the future of college athletes.
University of Miami Quarterback D’Eriq King became the first college athlete to sign an endorsement deal on Monday.
The Hurricanes QB inked a deal with the NHL’s Florida Panthers.
King will appear at several Panthers games throughout the year, as well as have his own merchandise branded with his likeness.
The Panthers launched their NIL program three weeks ago, the first of its kind in professional sports.
The program, “FLA Athletes”, is to create a partnership between the Panthers and college athletes.
The Panthers’ willingness to pay college athletes for their name and image sets an exciting precedent for the future of sports.
For the first time in history the Panthers’ NIL program is the first major avenue for them.
The Panthers have announced their intentions to sign more athletes in the near future.
Specifically, the team mentioned its desire to have a diverse group of athletes including female and Olympic athletes.
Assuming this program finds success for both parties, many more college athletes are likely to want to join.
This deal between King and the Panthers opens up further possibilities for relationships between college athletes and professional teams.
Of course, no other teams have any such programs yet.
With time the opportunities Panthers’ NIL program can uncover, more teams could create similar program for their local college athletes.
The future partnerships between college athletes and professional teams could change the way athletes are compensated, and the Florida Panthers have the rare opportunity to be pioneers of this new frontier.
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