NIL has changed the game for student-athletes and has even become a significant factor in players announcing where they intend on playing the following season.
In collaboration with North Carolina State-focused NIL collective Pack of Wolves, men’s basketball star forward DJ Burns announced that he will use his extra year of eligibility to return for another season in Raleigh.
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In partnership with Pack of Wolves, Burns’ decision to continue his college career coincides with the release of his signature line of merchandise, The Big 30 Collection, which will feature a tee-shirt ($45) and a hoodie ($130) on sale at the Pack of Wolves website. It also includes a personal thank you note and autograph for the first 50 fans who purchase clothing.
“It’s been everything (NIL), just having the opportunity to be able to capitalize on what we go so hard for. Trying to make it not only to the next level, but bringing it to the fans and now that they’re able to interact in a way that’s very different than what we’re used to,” Burns told The NIL Deal. “It’s a great thing for college athletes to have NIL and be able to experience it and it’s just awesome man.”
Beast Boy Burns is back! 🥽🏀
— Pack Of Wolves NIL Collective (@packofwolvesnil) April 27, 2023
We’re celebrating with the Big 30 Collection, an exclusive merch line designed in collaboration with @beastboyburns. First 50 purchasers also get a personalized thank-you note from DJ!
Shop now: https://t.co/EvCZ3tVbhl pic.twitter.com/rbegDR03XZ
Burns’ plethora of nicknames, including “Big 30”, “Beast Boy Burns” and “Smooth Operator” will be deeply embodied within his new clothing line. According to the press release, “this new line of hoodies and tees tie together impactful moments from his basketball story, while connecting these nicknames he is called affectionately by fans.”
The Big 30 Collection follows the trend of student-athletes across the country forming clothing lines that represent their personalities on and off the court.
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“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. We really wanted to make something comfortable and cool that people will want to wear not just when they’re going into a basketball game but everyday,” said Burns. “It’s something that represents our brand well and we found the perfect way to make those two things mix and it was awesome.”
With his future set in stone, Burns returns to a NC State team that finished 23-11 and earned a selection to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.
Burns will look to lead the Wolfpack to another successful season in the ACC while he continues to make his mark in NIL.
