Miami's King becomes 1st NCAA player to sign NIL deal with pro sports team

Miami quarterback D’Eriq King has agreed to a name, image, and likeness deal with the Florida Panthers, becoming the first collegiate athlete in the U.S. to sign an NIL contract with a pro sports team, the club announced Monday.

The Panthers also become the first pro sports team in the U.S. to establish an NIL program for college athletes.

"We are thrilled to welcome D'Eriq to Panthers territory as our first 'FLA Athlete,'" said chief strategy officer Sam Doerr. "D'Eriq is a superstar both on and off the field and we are excited to reach and engage South Florida sports fans in new ways through this collaborative partnership."

As part of his endorsement, King will appear at Panthers games and events and help produce content with the club's digital and social media teams.

On July 1, student-athletes were permitted to profit off their likeness through endorsements, sponsorships, and signings after the NCAA passed its interim NIL policy.

In addition to the Panthers, King also has NIL agreements with Dreamfield, Panini America, and Murphy Auto Group, among other brands.

The Hurricanes signal-caller is working his way back from a torn ACL and meniscus injury suffered in the Cheez-It Bowl last December. King is apparently on track to start Week 1 when Miami meets reigning national champion Alabama on Sept. 4.