She may never get a "big NIL contract." Sounds like the big cash grab people thought would result from NIL isn't materializing, or is materializing much more slowly than predicted. If ESPN rams Paige down everyone's throat again this year, and she's the star of the final four in bringing home UConn's first natty since The Big Three, I could definitely see some big(ger) endorsements coming her way by season's end. What she said about wanting to land a deal that takes her into her professional career is the way to go, and I thought that this is how it would ultimately play out for her. Nike, Puma, Adidas, Under Armour, etc. would want to lock her up long term since she will undoubtedly be a star in her sport for the next 20 years, and what better way to get started than to do it while she's still in college and relatively cheap.
I agree with a lot of what you say.
First, there were a ton of "big cash grab" people making all kinds of different assertions, from players getting rich, to NIL destroying college sports, to teams being destroyed with jealousy, etc., etc. A deep breath and a little bit of thought would have made it evident that the world doesn't quite work that way.
Second, it takes time for something like this to develop into beneficial quality. Some players jumped right into deals that were immediately offered. To those, I would say be careful if it's not too late. The wolves with their attorneys and shiny contracts are always the first at the door, and they aren't your friends. They offer up nice, tender little chickens at first to feast upon and to draw you in, but once the table is empty, don't forget that they are still wolves. A national deal with a company like Subway seems great until you realize that all you are ultimately left with is a free sandwich once a week, and there is no free delivery.
Third, Paige is handling this in what I think is the exact right way. She isn't in a hurry. She has a management team, and they have been informed by her that basketball is her number one focus because without it, nothing else matters. The key word is 'team', and Paige has shown many times that 'team' is what drives her. Wasserman seems to know this as well, since they have acknowledged it in their press statements. Paige is smart, and being under no personal pressure to enter into a deal transfers all the pressure onto those companies seeking her endorsement.
And last but not least, and if God is willing and the creek don't rise, she can put a deal (or multiple deals) together that will allow her to play a full four more years at UConn, give her the opportunity to win multiple national championships, walk away with a master's degree, enter the draft and play here or abroad while still carrying her sponsors with her.
From what I've seen and read of Paige, all she wants is to be happy and have basketball be a big part of her life. Gravy is optional. All the best to her.
