D’Eriq King partnering with Panthers can broaden both teams fan bases

The announcement of D’Eriq King signing a name, image and likeness deal with the Florida Panthers can benefit the Miami Hurricanes and South Florida’s NHL franchise. The terms of the deal between King and the Panthers were not disclosed. King is the first college athlete to agree to terms with the Panthers.

The Panthers announced earlier this summer an initiative to connect with college athletes throughout the Sunshine State to create deals for them to promote their team and product. In reaching a deal with the Panthers, D’Eriq King became the first collegiate athlete nationally to endorse a professional sports franchise.

The Panthers were the first professional sports franchise in the United States and in the NHL to create a program for college athletes to utilize their own name, image and likeness to benefit financially. The Panthers announced King will appear at Panthers games and events working with their digital and social media teams.

A goal between King and the Panthers will also be to brand content to engage what they said will be fanbases across South Florida. King’s Miami football program and the Panthers should both benefit from the deal. King will also work with the Panthers on merchandise, concession menu’s at the BB&T Center.

King has been one of the most assertive players securing NIL deals since its inception on July Other dales King has signed are with College Hunks Moving Company, Murphy Auto Group, Dreamfield, The Wharf and Panini America. King also has a podcast scheduled with teammate Ryan Ragone.

Another connection between the Miami football program and the Panthers is that both teams’ flagship radio station is 560 WQAM. It will be interesting to see how that could cross over with potential appearances. With NIL in its infancy, the opportunities for athletes will continue to develop and evolve.