Nico, a rising football star, recently signed a $1.75 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with UCLA, marking a significant step in his athletic and financial journey. The deal, meant to secure his future and reward his talent, quickly turned complicated as unexpected tax burdens emerged. Federal and state taxes, along with NIL-related deductions, slashed his earnings significantly, raising concerns about how much of the deal would truly benefit him in the long run.
According to sources close to the family, nearly $500,000 of the total value could be lost to taxes and fees, catching Nico and his representatives off guard. The family has begun questioning how such a lucrative deal ended up being less profitable than expected. Financial advisors have since been brought in to assess the situation, with many highlighting the complexity of NIL contracts and the lack of financial literacy support provided to young athletes.
Frustrated by what they see as poor financial planning and inadequate institutional support, Nico’s family is reportedly pushing back against both the terms of the deal and UCLA’s handling of it. They argue that while the NIL era promises opportunity, it also exposes student-athletes to new forms of risk. The situation has sparked wider debate about the long-term impact of such deals on young players and whether enough is being done to protect their financial futures.
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