Last week, Dylan Harper announced a marketing deal with Fanatics, one that links the five-star Rutgers basketball commit with one of the biggest names in sports.
So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Fanatics hosted Harper’s commitment ceremony last week, one where he ended two years of speculation by committing to Rutgers. Harper, the second-highest ranked recruit in the nation, brings a famous last name (his father and his older brother both played in the NBA) along with his own considerable skillset.
On the same day that Rutgers received his verbal, Harper signed a multi-year partnership with Fanatics. It gives him perhaps the highest platform of any Rutgers athlete in terms of a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal.
Globally, Fanatics is the leader in sports apparel and collectibles.
“Dylan’s style of play and personality is a perfect fit for us,” said Omar Wilkes, head of athlete partnerships for Fanatics Collectibles. “We’re incredibly excited to partner to help him grow his brand and connect with fans.”
Financial terms of the deal between Fanatics and Harper were not disclosed.
According to Fanatics, the deal with Harper will feature him in trading cards and collectibles, appearing across five different collections, beginning with the McDonald’s All-American Game set next year.
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One interesting note about the deal with Fanatics is that Harper’s college choice did not play a role in the decision of the platform to pursue an NIL deal with the five-star. Fanatics was very much interested in Harper, no matter where he went.
“No matter where Dylan chose to play we knew there’d be a lot of media attention – a positive awareness that would extend to what he’s doing with Fanatics Collectibles,” Wilkes said.