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History In The Making: Shedeur Sanders Becomes First HBCU Athlete To Sign NIL Deal With Gatorade

College students are making history, thanks to the changes to the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules. Next up is Jackson State University (JSU) quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who becomes the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) athlete to sign a multi-year deal with Gatorade. “It’s an honor to join the Gatorade Family and represent this historic moment for HBCU athletes,” said Shedeur Sanders, according to a press release sent to AfroTech. “I can’t wait to work with Gatorade on and off the field to help create even more opportunities for HBCU students and athletes.” Shedeur Sanders can celebrate being a new signee alongside other accomplishments, which include becoming the first HBCU athlete to win the Jerry Rice Award. More recently, the 19-year-old star was named Freshman of the Year at the Southwestern Athletic Conference. “As one of the country’s best freshmen college football players, Shedeur Sanders is another incredible addition to the Gatorade Family,”...

Jan 27, 2022

PepsiCo Meets With Reverend Al Sharpton After Threat Of Boycott Over DEI Rollbacks

PepsiCo representatives met with civil rights leaders from the National Action Network (NAN) after Reverend Al Sharpton threatened to lead a boycott over the company’s decision to scale back parts of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives . After sending a letter to the food and beverage brand on April 4, 2025, outlining details of the intended boycott, Sharpton issued a statement on Tuesday, April 15, saying that he and several members of NAN had a “constructive conversation” lasting over an hour with PepsiCo Chairman Ramon Laguarta and PepsiCo North America CEO Steven Williams. During the meeting at PepsiCo’s global headquarters in Purchase, NY, they had a chance “to discuss our grievances over reports they were rolling back nearly $500 million in DEI commitments .” “We agreed to follow up meetings within the next few days,” Sharpton wrote. “After that continued dialogue, NAN Chairman Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and I, both former members of the company’s African...

Apr 16, 2025

NBA Star Steph Curry And Former First Lady Michelle Obama Team Up To Launch A New Sports Drink That Doesn't Compromise One's Health

Leave it to Steph Curry and Michelle Obama to remind us that health and flavor don’t have to be enemies. The NBA legend and the forever First Lady have teamed up to launch PLEZi Hydration, a new sports drink aiming to do what health gurus allege Gatorade and Powerade never quite pulled off — offer hydration without compromising on health. Born out of Obama’s public benefit company, PLEZi Nutrition, the drink is marketed as a “healthier” option for individuals who want to stay active without consuming excessive sugar and sodium. According to its website, each 16.9-ounce bottle packs only 12 grams of sugar — less than half of what you’d find in traditional sports drinks — plus 500 mg of potassium, 120 mg of sodium (vs. 210 mg), and the full daily dose of vitamin C. And this isn’t a slap-your-name-on-it celebrity endorsement. Both Curry and Obama were deeply involved in creating the drink from the ground up. Based on a CNBC report, Curry helped with everything from the packaging to the...

Mar 27, 2025

Retirement Hasn't Stopped Bo Jackson's Net Worth From Growing

Bo Jackson remains one of the most legendary multi-sport athletes of all time, having excelled in both professional baseball and football. His unparalleled athleticism and dominance in two major sports made him a household name in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, an injury ended his football career prematurely, forcing him to pivot toward business and other ventures. Unlike many former athletes who struggle financially after retirement, Jackson leveraged his brand and earnings into long-term financial success. With multiple revenue streams, including endorsements, real estate investments, and business ventures, he has maintained a strong financial standing. But how much is he worth today? Let’s explore his career earnings, business endeavors, and financial growth before revealing Bo Jackson’s net worth in 2025. Bo Jackson’s Athletic Career And Earnings Bo Jackson’s career began at Auburn University, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1985, solidifying himself as one of the...

Mar 17, 2025

DK Metcalf's 2025 NFL Contract Extension Means He's One Of The Highest-Paid Wide Receivers In The League

From breaking records on the field to securing lucrative endorsements, DK Metcalf has established himself as a wide receiver to watch in the NFL. Since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, he has quickly risen to elite status, becoming one of the league’s most dominant offensive weapons. Known for his rare combination of size, speed and athleticism, Metcalf has delivered performances that showcase his stamina and strength, cementing his reputation as a game-changing playmaker. Off the field, the 27-year-old has successfully transformed his football stardom into financial success . His endorsements include partnerships with major companies such as Nike, Gatorade and Beats by Dre, further boosting his income and public profile. Additionally, he has ventured into business, capitalizing on opportunities in industries ranging from fitness to fashion. With a keen eye for branding and entrepreneurship, he has positioned himself as more than just an athlete – he’s a savvy...

Mar 14, 2025

Former NBA Teammates Tracy McGrady And Vince Carter Become Minority Owners Of The Buffalo Bills Alongside Professional Soccer Player Jozy Altidore

Former NBA teammates and Hall of Famers Tracy McGrady and Vinca Carter have invested in the Buffalo Bill’s organization, which is currently valued at $4.2 billion, per Forbes. According to a post shared on the team’s official Instagram account, the Bills announced 10 limited partners to join the franchise, marking the first time the team has added limited partners. According to ABC News, the group was approved on Dec. 11, 2024, by owners Terry and Kim Pegula, who purchased the team for $1.4 billion in 2014 and will retain a 79% stake. The Buffalo Bills’ ownership group now includes three former Black professional athletes: McGrady, Carter, and former U.S. Men’s National Team soccer player Jozy Altidore. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) Check out the breakdown below. McGrady McGrady is no stranger to the world of business. After retiring from the league in 2013 with $130 million in career earnings, he expanded his portfolio into real estate,...

Dec 11, 2024

After Securing Largest Contract In NBA History, Jayson Tatum Sets Sights On $200M WNBA Investment In St. Louis

Jayson Tatum is making moves on and off the basketball court as he explores potential investment opportunities in a WNBA franchise in St. Louis, MO. As interested parties compete for ownership of the league’s upcoming 16th team, the Boston Celtics star has informally committed to supporting the franchise, according to Sportico. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Tatum secured a record-breaking five-year, $315 million contract extension in July and now plans to work behind the scenes, helping attract other high-profile investors and advocating for the WNBA team. “St. Louis is a top-tier sports market, and we believe that bringing a WNBA franchise to the region will be a defining moment in the city’s ongoing revitalization,” said Don Soffer, the spokesperson for the effort to establish the 16th team in St. Louis, per Sportico. Tatum’s potential involvement follows a change in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, ratified in April 2023, which, as OnFocus previously reported, now...

Nov 4, 2024

What Is Deshaun Watson’s Net Worth in 2024? A Look Into Watson's Contract And Investments

NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson has made headlines for his on-field achievements and off-field controversies. As one of the highest-paid athletes in professional football, Watson’s net worth in 2024 reflects his lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and financial investments. Despite facing legal and public challenges, his financial status remains significant in the sports world. In this article, we’ll explore Deshaun Watson’s net worth in 2024, the key sources of his wealth, and how his career has impacted his financial standing. Watson has been in the news quite a lot recently, largely due to the Browns offensive struggles, and most recently, suffering a season-ending Achilles injury that drew a ravish personal defense from teammate and backup quarterback, Jamies Winston, who is, of course, known for his innate talent to go viral and inspire resilience in his teammates. Although Watson’s dealt with his fair share of recent struggles and his 2024 season may be ending early, he’s...

Oct 24, 2024

What Is The Market Cap Of The NBA? The NBA's Net Worth Overview

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is not only one of the most popular sports leagues globally, but it is also one of the most lucrative. Over the years, the league’s net worth has surged due to increased media rights deals, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and international expansion. As of recent estimates, the NBA’s net worth, or more accurately, overall valuation sits between $90 billion to $100 billion, making it one of the richest sports organizations in the world. Here, we’ll dig deep into what made the sports franchise a giant in the entertainment industry. Factors Driving NBA’s Financial Success Media Rights Deals One of the primary drivers of the NBA’s net worth is its lucrative media rights deals. In 2014, the NBA signed a nine-year, $24 billion TV deal with ESPN and Turner Sports, setting a record for sports broadcasting at the time. As the league’s popularity continues to grow, especially internationally, the value of these media rights is expected to increase....

Oct 11, 2024

Ben Simmons' Net Worth Took A Hit After Leaving The 76ers

At 6’10” tall, Ben Simmons is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the basketball court. He’s been playing in the NBA for almost a decade now, although injury has kept him away from playing more than one season. After the drama surrounding his departure from the Philadelphia 76ers and failure to play more than a few games since being traded to the Brooklyn Nets , basketball lovers are curious about what the Australian will have to offer this season. According to the athlete’s agent, he’ll be a “full participant” at the latter team’s upcoming training camp scheduled for Oct. 1. As The Score notes, Simmons has only made 57 appearances since being acquired by the Nets in exchange for former MVP James Harden. All eyes are on the 28-year-old as he gears up for what could be his first great performance in years. Simmons Looks At Home On America’s Basketball Courts, But He’s A Long Way From His Native Country (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Ben Simmons was born on July 20,...

Sep 23, 2024

College QB Shedeur Sanders Retains Top Spot For NIL Earners In 2024 With An Estimated $5.1M Valuation

College football quarterback Shedeur Sanders still remains at the top of name, image, and likeness (NIL) earners. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Shedeur was listed at the top of the 2023 college football season, with an approximate $3.8 million valuation. This was also the highest NIL valuation at the time. In 2024, not much has changed. Shedeur — who now plays for the University of Colorado and is being led by his father and head coach Deion Sanders — has a NIL valuation that has soared to an estimated $5.1 million , according to the latest data from On3. He is joined by his teammate, Travis Hunter, who is ranked third with an estimated $3.1 million valuation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by On3 NIL (@on3nil) Signing To Nike The news follows just weeks after Shedeur made history as the first college football player to sign an NIL deal with Nike. His presence within the athletic apparel giant is now a family affair, as his father is also signed to a deal with the...

Sep 19, 2024

How Kevin Durant Stacked A $300 Million Net Worth While Breaking Into The GOAT Discussion

By now, just about every fan of basketball has become well acquainted with the generation-defining legacy of Kevin Durant. The beloved NBA star is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time for his passionate performance, making him one of the most sought-after small forwards in the entire league. Over the course of his 16 seasons on the court, Durant has played for 4 teams, and amassed hundreds of millions of dollars in salary alone. According to Celebrity Net Worth , Kevin Durant currently touts a highly impressive net worth of over $300 million. While this sum comes primarily from his NBA salary, Durant has also bolstered his nest egg with money from endorsement deals , real estate, and many other prudent investments. Given that KD is undeniably in the GOAT conversation, now seems like as good a time as any to take a deep dive into his multiple revenue streams, and see what we can learn about his financial portfolio. For those looking to study the moves of...

Aug 22, 2024

Jayson Tatum Just Signed The Richest Contract In NBA History, But He Can't Spend Any Of It Due To A Deal With His Mom

Jayson Tatum won’t be spending his historic contract money. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the Boston Celtics player is fresh off a NBA National Championship win and agreed to a five-year $315 million supermax contract extension, which marks the richest in the league’s history, according to Bleacher Report and Chris Haynes of TNT Sports. However, Tatum will not be touching the money earned from his contract, as AFROTECH™ already told you. He made a deal with his mother, Brandy Cole — who he describes as an “overseer” because she handles his finances — that he would rely on endorsements and sponsors rather than his contract earnings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Small Wins (@enjoysmallwins) “We had a deal before I got drafted that I couldn’t spend the money I make from the Celtics, that we have to live off endorsements,” Tatum said during an interview with “In Depth with Graham Bensinger.” “Her and my accountant agreed. They didn’t know that I would make as much as...

Jul 3, 2024

2 Chainz Diversifies His Portfolio And Becomes A Franchisee Of Smoothie King

There appears to be no limits for 2 Chainz in his quest as an entrepreneur. Krystal As AFROTECH™ previously reported the “I’m Different” artist was named the head of creative marketing for fast-food chain Krystal, a venture that pays homage to his upbringing with its sliders and shakes. The opportunity led to the launch of a series of new platforms and partnerships with the brand, such as menus, merchandising, and co-branded restaurants based in Atlanta, GA. “I can remember Krystal being a part of so many pivotal moments of my childhood and teen years,” 2 Chainz said in a statement at the time. “ Some of my best moments were made better by going to Krystal, and I’m a fan for life. I want everyone to feel that, too, and can’t wait to put Krystal in the spotlight it deserves.” Esco Restaurant & Tapas Scaling his interests in the food space, 2 Chainz has also franchised his Esco Restaurant & Tapas — created alongside his business partner Mychel “Snoop” Dillard in 2016 — with plans to...

Jun 26, 2024

The Top 10 Schools Consistently Ranked As The Best HBCUs

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are higher learning institutions established in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries primarily for the education of Black Americans. Most HBCUs were founded after the Civil War, during the Reconstruction era, with the purpose of providing higher education opportunities for Black Americans who were previously denied access to mainstream institutions due to segregation and racial discrimination. Today, these same schools still provide opportunities for Black Americans to embrace their culture while getting their education. With many schools existing around the country, certain ones have been regarded as the best HBCUs. The top HBCUs are often ranked based on various criteria such as academic excellence, student outcomes , notable alumni , campus facilities and more. Here is a list of the top 10 best HBCUs, along with what makes them stand out. Spelman College Spelman consistently ranks at number one as the best...

Jun 4, 2024