Much criticism was raised when the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) was introduced in 2021. However, this has allowed college athletes to get paid without being in a pro league. While it’s a godsend for those struggling financially, the NIL has posed an obstacle for the other professional leagues. But now, the NIL industry worth more than $25 million will have to face a tough competitor as one of the pro leagues, the National Basketball League (NBL) has announced Charles Barkley‘s colleague and former NBA player Kenny Smith as the Head of their Next Stars’ Player Initiatives, North America.

With the rising popularity of the league and its team-up with TNT commentator Smith, the NBL has also turned into an interesting option for young athletes whose ultimate goal is the NBA. Here is what Smith said about his new role. 

“I am the portal system creating the portal system for us players to get to the NBL. That’s how I look at it packed arenas, fanatical fans, and an energy and passion that will help you take steps, especially in this Next Stars Program it takes it helps you in the next steps to where you want to be which is the ultimate goal for most of them is to be the NBA. We are preparing them for the NBA,” Smith said.

This is an exciting and clever move to counter the problem with NIL. The NBL program in Australia has been successful for the NBA so far and Smith’s involvement will only enhance the impact. 

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Kenny Smith might own a team in the NBL

Smith has spent 10 years in the league and following that joined Ernie Johnson for NBA on TNT. This NBA veteran will now assist the league in finding the most talented players, develop them, and mentor them to participate in the program and prepare them for their next step, which is likely the NBA. 

Previously, the Next Stars Program was an alternative to the college basketball system.  However, it has grown much more than that now. Currently, the program has seen its top players such as LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, RJ Hampton, and Ousmane Dieng go to the NBA as first-round draft picks. And following this, it’s likely to expand and introduce another franchise to the program. The word is Smith will own a team in the program. Further details have yet to be known. 

Joining the NBL instead of playing college basketball has the potential to impact their NIL branding opportunities in various ways. However, it’s notable how the NBL will offer global exposure and professional development to the athletes.

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