AJ Dybantsa Lands Massive Fanatics NIL Deal, Elevates BYU Basketball Buzz originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Before AJ Dybantsa has even stepped onto the court in a BYU uniform, he’s already rewriting the playbook for college basketball stardom. The No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class has signed a multi-year, exclusive NIL deal with Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles, marking one of the most significant name, image, and likeness contracts in NCAA history.
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And here’s the kicker: the deal is worth eight figures, according to Sportico, and stretches beyond Dybantsa’s college career. For BYU fans, this isn’t just about a signing, it’s a seismic moment in Cougar basketball history.
A Headliner Before Tipoff
Dybantsa’s partnership with Fanatics is built around autographed trading cards, game-worn memorabilia, and branded campaigns that will place him alongside modern icons like Caitlin Clark, Cooper Flagg, and JuJu Watkins, all of whom have also signed with Fanatics. His cards will be featured in the Bowman University lineup, including the Bowman U NOW series that celebrates defining collegiate sports moments.
Fanatics made the announcement in dramatic fashion, releasing a cinematic hype video shot in the Wasatch Mountains, symbolizing Dybantsa’s rise and Provo’s new place in the national basketball spotlight.
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“When I see my face on a card, it’s going to be a surreal feeling. I know where I belong,” Dybantsa said in the video.
A Gold Medal Pedigree
Fresh off leading Team USA to gold at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, and earning tournament MVP honors with 14 points per game, Dybantsa is already showing why he’s projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-9, he combines length, skill, and marketability in a way BYU has never seen before.
AJ Dybantsa representing Team USA at the FIBA U19 World CupFIBA Basketball
From Brockton to BYU to the Big Time
Dybantsa chose BYU over heavyweights like Alabama and North Carolina, a decision that shocked the recruiting world and electrified Cougar Nation. He’s the first BYU signee to make the McDonald’s All-American Game, and his reported $4+ million NIL valuation, which includes other endorsements with Nike and Red Bull, positions him as one of college basketball’s top earners.
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This deal with Fanatics isn’t just a personal win, it’s a moment of validation for The Royal Blue collective, BYU’s NIL arm, and signals to future recruits that Provo is now a destination for elite talent and elite branding.
What’s Next for BYU Basketball?
Dybantsa and the Cougars open the 2025-26 season against Villanova in Las Vegas on Nov. 3, a marquee matchup that could mark the start of a historic year for BYU hoops.
As one of the most marketable college athletes in the nation, Dybantsa is bringing the spotlight to BYU like never before. Now, the nation is watching, and Cougar fans have every reason to believe that the best is yet to come.
Related: Kalani Sitake Sends Clear Message to Jake Retzlaff Amid Controversial Exit at BYU
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
