As the calendar turns to March and the madness begins, it’s time to look back at an incredible February at the NIL Store. From the heart of conference play to the rise of new fan favorites, February proved one thing: college sports fans are more passionate than ever about supporting their favorite athletes.
Whether it was the continued reign of the UConn Huskies or a freshman sensation taking over Champaign, here is the "Best of February" at the NIL Store.
🏆 The Heavy Hitters: Top Selling Schools
February was dominated by traditional powerhouses and basketball bluebloods. Topping the charts once again is UConn, fueled by a fan base that supports both their men’s and women’s programs at an elite level.
Top 10 Selling Schools (Power Conferences):
🏀 Women’s Basketball Takes Center Stage
If you needed proof that Women’s Basketball is the fastest-growing sector in sports, look no further than February’s earnings. The top of the list is a "Who's Who" of WBB royalty, with UConn and LSU stars leading the charge.
Azzi Fudd claimed the top spot for female earners, followed closely by teammates Sarah Strong and KK Arnold. Meanwhile, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and Grace Knox rounded out a top five that was almost entirely dominated by the Huskies and Tigers.
Top-Earning Female Athletes:
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Azzi Fudd (UConn)
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Sarah Strong (UConn)
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KK Arnold (UConn)
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Flau’jae Johnson (LSU)
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Grace Knox (LSU)
🔥 The Men’s Leaderboard: A New King in Champaign
On the men’s side, February belonged to Keaton Wagler. The Illinois standout surged to the top spot, proving that the Fighting Illini faithful are among the most active NIL supporters in the country.
We also saw a unique mix of sports, with Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza (Indiana Football) maintaining his position into the top three, sitting alongside basketball stars like Purdue’s Braden Smith and Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg.
Top-Earning Male Athletes:
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Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
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Braden Smith (Purdue)
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Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
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Sam Hoiberg (Nebraska)
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Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois)
🌍 Beyond the Power 5: Mid-Major Pride
NIL success isn't just for the biggest conferences. Fans across the country are showing up for their local heroes. Western Kentucky led the charge for non-power conference schools, followed by Saint Louis and California Baptist.
It’s incredible to see programs like Johns Hopkins, Winthrop, and UNC Pembroke cracking the Top 10, proving that every athlete has a story worth wearing.
Top Mid-Major Selling Schools:
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Western Kentucky
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Saint Louis
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California Baptist
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Johns Hopkins
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Winthrop
📈 Top Programs: Where the Passion Lives
When we look at specific programs, the UConn Women’s Basketball team remains the gold standard for NIL merchandising. However, the Illinois Men’s Basketball and Purdue Men’s Basketball programs aren't far behind, creating a competitive landscape as we head into tournament season.
Top-Selling Programs:
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UConn Women’s Basketball
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Illinois Men’s Basketball
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Purdue Men’s Basketball
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Indiana Football
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Nebraska Men’s Basketball
Gear Up for March!
February set the stage, but the biggest month of the year is finally here. As your favorite teams head into the conference tournaments and the Big Dance, make sure you’re repping the official gear that puts money directly into the pockets of the athletes.
Shop the NIL Store now and find your favorite athlete’s custom apparel!
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