BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Cashes In on Lucrative NIL Deals

Freshman phenom has partnerships with Nike, Red Bull, and Fanatics worth millions

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:10am

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AJ Dybantsa, a standout freshman basketball player at BYU, has taken full advantage of the NCAA's name, image and likeness (NIL) rules, signing several high-profile sponsorship deals worth millions of dollars. Dybantsa's NIL deals include partnerships with Nike, Red Bull, and Fanatics, making him one of the highest-paid college athletes in the country.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's NIL deals highlight the significant earning potential for top college athletes in the new NIL era. As a highly touted recruit, Dybantsa was able to leverage his star power to secure lucrative sponsorship agreements with major brands, providing a glimpse into the future of college sports where the best players can earn life-changing sums of money.

The details

Dybantsa's NIL deals include a $5 million agreement with BYU, as well as partnerships with Nike, Red Bull, and Fanatics. The Nike deal was one of Dybantsa's first, signed in January 2024, while the Red Bull and Fanatics agreements came later in 2024 and 2025 respectively. The Fanatics deal, described as "one of the most significant NIL deals ever," focuses on trading cards, memorabilia, and brand marketing campaigns.

  • Dybantsa signed his Nike deal in January 2024.
  • Dybantsa signed his Red Bull deal in October 2024.
  • Dybantsa signed his Fanatics deal in July 2025.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A standout freshman basketball player at BYU who has signed several lucrative NIL deals with major brands.

Omar Wilkes

Head of athlete partnerships for Fanatics Collectibles.

Michael Rubin

CEO of Fanatics.

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What they’re saying

“Joining the Nike basketball family is huge. When I was asked, it was a no-brainer.”

— AJ Dybantsa

“Growing up, watching people that inspired me wear Nike — to now being part of the same team is an opportunity I don't take for granted. I can't wait to see what we can mix up on and off the court.”

— AJ Dybantsa

“I think it'll be a great partnership because it'll be beneficial to both of us with the platform that they have. I think we fit right in with each other, so it's going to be special.”

— AJ Dybantsa

What’s next

Dybantsa is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA draft, which will likely further increase his net worth and earning potential.

The takeaway

Dybantsa's NIL deals demonstrate the significant financial opportunities available to top college athletes in the new NIL era. As a highly touted freshman, he was able to leverage his star power to secure lucrative sponsorship agreements with major brands, providing a glimpse into the future of college sports where the best players can earn life-changing sums of money.