Nico Iamaleava’s NIL earnings dropped from $1.7M at Tennessee to $900K at UCLA after taxes—has his market value taken a major hit in the transfer process?
Nico Iamaleava’s New Deal Reportedly Earns Him $900K—Has His Stock Dropped So Much?
Former Tennessee quarterback Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA requires a significant financial adjustment. While headlines once touted his Tennessee NIL deal at $2.4 million annually, his new arrangement at UCLA will reportedly net him just $900,000 after taxes.
This vast difference raises questions about the quarterback’s market value following his departure from Tennessee, where he had reportedly sought to double his compensation to $4 million before entering the transfer portal.
The Real Numbers: Tennessee vs. UCLA After Taxes
At Tennessee, Iamaleava’s $2.4 million gross NIL deal through the Spyre Sports collective translated to approximately $1.7 million in take-home pay. Tennessee’s lack of state income tax meant he only had to account for federal taxes (approximately 25-30%), payroll taxes, and other standard deductions.
The situation changes dramatically in California. Even with a reported gross NIL deal under $2 million at UCLA, California’s 13.3% state income tax rate—one of the nation’s highest—significantly reduces his earnings. A breakdown of his tax at UCLA shows approximately $617,618 in federal income tax, $210,027 in California state income tax, $50,953 in federal payroll taxes (FICA), and $1,684 in California SDI tax. These taxes total about $880,283, leaving Iamaleava with net earnings around $919,716—nearly half of what he effectively earned at Tennessee.
“Even if his gross NIL deal at UCLA is close to $1.8 million, his net earnings after taxes are just under $1 million—almost half of what he effectively took home at Tennessee,” noted one analysis shared on social media.
Market Realities and Future Prospects
Iamaleava’s transfer saga began when he reportedly sought a $4 million annual NIL deal, which Tennessee declined. This led to his absence from practices and team meetings, ultimately resulting in his departure. The significant difference between his asking price and what the market delivered suggests he may have overestimated his value in the current NIL landscape.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel has observed that Iamaleava’s market value didn’t match his expectations, especially considering his on-field performance and the competitive quarterback transfer market. Many programs had already allocated their quarterback budgets, limiting his options despite his five-star recruit status.
Despite the financial downgrade, UCLA offers Iamaleava advantages that could eventually outweigh the immediate pay cut. Returning to his home state provides personal benefits, while UCLA’s offensive system might better showcase his talents. Most importantly, the opportunity to start and perform in a Power Five conference could rebuild his NIL value or position him for future professional opportunities.
“The program’s offensive system and coaching staff could better fit his style, and returning to his home state might provide personal and recruiting advantages,” supporters of the move point out.
🚨WILD🚨
NICO IAMALEAVA WILL ONLY MAKE $900,000 AT UCLA AFTER TAXES.
Federal Income Tax: $617,618
California State Income Tax: $210,027
Federal Payroll Taxes (FICA): $50,953
California SDI Tax: $1,684
Total Taxes: $880,283
Net Income: $919,716Iamaleava reportedly wanted $4M. pic.twitter.com/QOaBEr2lWR
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 17, 2025
Iamaleava’s situation serves as a case study in the complexities of the NIL era, where headline figures often don’t tell the complete financial story once taxes and cost of living are factored in.
KEEP READING: What ‘Do Not Contact’ Really Means in the NCAA Transfer Portal, And Why Nico Iamaleava Has It
His journey from Tennessee to UCLA demonstrates how quickly market value can shift and the importance of realistic expectations in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
