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Nov 19, 2024
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Corey Bruno
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News
In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, the University of North Carolina continues to be a powerhouse in both on-court performance and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Let's dive into how UNC's star athletes are leveraging their influence in the world of college basketball marketing.
Elliot Cadeau: The Sophomore Sensation
Leading the pack in social media influence, sophomore point guard Elliot Cadeau has established himself as a premier NIL force in college basketball.
Social Media Impact:
Total Followers: 408,129
Average Engagement Rate: 8.75%
Instagram Reel Views: 420K average
TikTok Views: 105K average
Brand Partnerships:
Verizon
American Eagle
Marriott Bonvoy
CAVA
RJ Davis: Senior Leadership Meets Brand Excellence
The senior guard has built an impressive portfolio of premium brand partnerships while maintaining strong engagement with his fanbase.
Social Media Metrics:
Total Followers: 254,992
Average Engagement Rate: 6.68%
Instagram Reel Views: 42K average
TikTok Views: 53K average
Notable Partnerships:
5 Star Electrolytes
JBL Audio
Verizon
Armani
Ryl Tea
Ian Jackson: The Freshman Phenom
Despite being new to the college scene, Jackson has already secured major brand deals and demonstrates impressive social media metrics.
Digital Presence:
Total Followers: 247,371
Average Engagement Rate: 8.59%
Instagram Reel Views: 317.8K average
TikTok Views: 151K average
Brand Collaborations:
Adidas
Armani
Alyssa Ustby: Women's Basketball Marketing Pioneer
The graduate student has cultivated one of the most diverse brand partnership portfolios in UNC athletics.
Social Media Stats:
Total Followers: 167,943
Average Engagement Rate: 9.43%
Instagram Reel Views: 69K average
TikTok Views: 51K average
Brand Portfolio:
Good Molecules
American Eagle
Voting Initiatives
Core Hydration
Hey Dude
Ritz Crackers
The Impact of NIL at UNC
UNC's basketball program has emerged as a leader in college athlete brand partnerships, with players securing deals across various industries:
Fashion & Lifestyle
American Eagle partnerships with multiple athletes
Armani collaborations with top players
Hey Dude footwear
Technology & Communications
Verizon partnerships
JBL Audio endorsements
Food & Beverage
CAVA
Ritz Crackers
Core Hydration
Ryl Tea
Marketing Impact and Future Outlook
The latest UNC basketball news shows how NIL deals are transforming the collegiate athletic landscape. With engagement rates consistently above 6% across all featured athletes, UNC players are proving to be valuable partners for brands seeking authentic connections with Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Key trends emerging from UNC's NIL success:
High engagement rates across both men's and women's programs
Diverse brand partnerships spanning multiple industries
Strong performance in video content, particularly on Instagram Reels
Successful integration of freshmen into the NIL ecosystem
Looking Ahead
UNC's basketball program continues to set the standard for NIL success in collegiate athletics. From seasoned veterans to incoming freshmen, Tar Heel athletes are maximizing their opportunities in the new era of college sports marketing.
The program's success in securing major brand partnerships while maintaining authentic engagement with fans demonstrates the potential of NIL deals to benefit both athletes and brands. As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, UNC basketball remains at the forefront of innovation in college athlete marketing.
Stay Ahead of the Game with Out2Win's Latest Insights
As college basketball season kicks off, we're excited to announce Out2Win's annual College Basketball Marketability Report!
This FREE report dives into the top 100 most marketable players, analyzing visibility trends, key market drivers, social media NIL deals, top brand partnerships, and more.
Don't miss out on this essential resource — click here to request your copy and stay ahead of the game!