Being the eldest son of the one and only LeBron James isnโt exclusively about lofty expectations. As Bronny James himself will tell you, from scout attention to record-breaking name + image + likeness (NIL) deals, it certainly comes with an entire host of perks.
According to On3, the four-star guard and #19 college basketball recruit already has an estimated US$7.4 million (AU$10.9 million) valuation lined up thanks to his partnerships with companies such as Nike, Beats by Dre, and PSD Underwear. Not bad for a high school senior.
His next closest competition in terms of โamateur athletesโ is Louisianna State University gymnast Olivia Dunne; reportedly the โmost followed NCAA athlete on social mediaโ with over nine million online fans and a staggering 330 million likes on her TikTok account. Dunneโs current NIL valuation sits at around US$3.4 million (AU$5 million).
A little further down the list comes college football player Arch Manning, nephew of NFL legends Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, at US$2.1 million (AU$3.1 million). The starting quarterback is currently projected to be a potential first round NFL Draft pick, as expected from a member of the Manning dynasty.
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Staggering NIL deals aside, over this past weekend, Bronny James officially committed to play at the University of Southern California after his tenure at Sierra Canyon School. Initially, there was speculation surrounding whether heโd opt to develop as a baller in the NBA G League, perhaps even here in Australia at the NBL a la LaMelo Ball. But now, the path forward is clear.
โCongratulations to my son on his next journey, on picking a great university. Iโm proud of him,โ LeBron James noted after taking a 2-1 lead in his ongoing Western Conference semifinal series against the Golden State Warriors (via ESPN).
โThis is an incredible thing. Obviously, his dad didnโt go to school. His mom didnโt go to college. Itโs super coolโฆ USC is getting a great kid. Heโs there to play basketball, [but] theyโre going to be super surprised at how great a kid he is, even though theyโve been recruiting him for a while.โ
The younger James is eligible for the NBA Draft in 2024, aligning with when the elder Jamesโ contract with the Los Angeles Lakers is set to expire, and effectively opening the door for what could very well be basketballโs greatest father-son playing duo.
