Kiyan Anthony is set to reap the fruits of the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) deals that has come his way. So much so that soon the 17-year-old will have enough purchasing power to not be dependent on his parents Carmelo Anthony and LaLa.
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The NIL rules, which allow student-athletes to earn through their personal brands, have opened avenues to make big money even before turning pro. Stats hint that the 17-year-old’s NIL deal may be large enough to make him mull staying back in college rather than rush into the NBA draft.
Kiyan, a four-star recruit, reminded everyone of the NIL money that’s coming his way during a trip to Japan in July. He was travelling with his mother, uncle Christian Vasquez, and his cousin Mekai Vasquez.
On the latest episode of his Overtime series, The Evolution: Kiyan Anthony Season 2.0, the trip was covered as a vlog. In it, the young baller was seen unable to purchase a Anthony Wang sweater that he took a liking to. His credit card was declined at the counter.
The vlog dramatized the moment, showing the 6ft 5 guard lamenting.
“My card declined yesterday, bro. I tried to buy an Alexander Wang sweater bro,” he told his cousin.
Later, Anthony was seen picking up a mini-bag, and fantasizing about putting some cash in one of its pockets. Then, his cousin Mekai reminded Kiyan that his credit card was declined a day before. With music from a violin playing as the background score, Kiyan reminded everyone about the NIL earnings coming his way.
He said, “Nah it was, I told y’all, that NIL money, it’s on the way. Coming soon y’all.”
Kiyan is not being boastful here. He has laid a solid foundation toward becoming a millionaire even before hitting the NBA. As per ON3, his current NIL valuation is $1.1 million. He is ranked #56 in the NIL 100 list, and is #11 among the high-schoolers.
Kiyan’s NIL deals
Kiyan currently has four major NIL deals. In September 2023, he signed with One Way Clothing, PSD Underwear, and NERF. On October 23, he landed a deal with the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation.
His NIL valuation can only take off from here. It could even influence his decision to stay for more than one year in college.
“I feel like one and done happens, it happens but if it’s like an opportunity to stay, where I could stay two years and then go to the league like that could happen too. Obviously, now with NIL and everything still gonna get paid. You’re still making money in college or you’re in the league so,” Kiyan said on Unapologetically Angel podcast.
Along with the obvious game development aspect, one more year in college makes good economic sense for Kiyan as well. An NBA rookie contract would pay him around the same amount or even less than the NIL deals he is likely to sign in a couple of years.
By November 15 we will know which college Kiyan will attend next year. His announcement is eagerly awaited as the team he chooses will play a significant role in his pre-NBA development.
