G League Ignite bills itself as a way for top basketball prospects to earn a wage and have a chance to join the NBA. However, the rise of nothing deals in college basketball could hinder their impact. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his 2024 opinion on Ignite.
Adam Silver discusses the future of NBA G League Ignite
The rise of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals has allowed college athletes to generate additional income. Some of the most famous college sports stars are worth millions of dollars. For example, USC basketball guard Bronny James has deals worth more than $5 million.
Another example is Colorado football quarterback Shader Sanders, whose annual valuation is said to be at least $4 million.
while. LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne and LSU women's basketball forward Angel Reese have valuations ranging from $1.5 million to $3.5 million.
The NBA G League Ignite team was created in part for pre-draft players so they could get paid to play basketball before entering the draft. This was another route top candidates could take outside of college.
However, Ignite's salary range of $100,000 to $500,000 is nothing compared to the earnings of top college athletes who earn nothing. And so Adam Silver “reevaluates” the status of Ignite, By ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
Silver isn't sure what the future of the program holds, but one thing is becoming clear. The introduction of NIL trades into the college basketball landscape removed the potential gain factor from its appeal.
However, Ignite players may not earn as much as the best college athletes on nothing deals, but it still provides an excellent opportunity for those who want to play professional basketball. It will be interesting how the NBA handles the program amid news of college athletes' ever-increasing income opportunities.
