In the quickly moving world of college athletics, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) period has brought a game-altering possibility. Especially for student-athletes to monetize their talent and reach. At the forefront of those taking the lead is Te-Hina Paopao, a dominant guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
But how much is Paopao actually earning off of these arrangements? Let’s take a look at what they reflect about her increasing influence on and off the court.
How Much Is Te-Hina Paopao’s NIL Worth?
Paopao has emerged as a central figure in the NIL universe, owing to her great performances and personality. As of early 2025, she’s signing some serious endorsement contracts. This will cement her status as one of the highest-paid college athletes. Below is a closer examination of some of the top brands Paopao has partnered with:
Sephora (July 23, 2024): Sephora, one of the world’s largest beauty retailers, teamed up with Paopao. Her charm is not only on the court; it also goes to beauty and lifestyle, where she resonates with a large audience.
Ouai (July 22, 2024): Another brand in the beauty space, Ouai, famous for its haircare line, was quick to sign Paopao, who has become the style icon of many of her fans.
McDonald’s (July 13, 2024): Paopao also secured a deal with the fast food behemoth, McDonald’s. What appears to be a lighthearted collaboration is actually a major one. McDonald’s has a history of turning athletes into household names with its memorable ad campaigns.
Topicals (July 11, 2024): Topicals is a mental health-focused skincare brand, and Paopao’s deal with them demonstrates her focus on wellness outside of basketball.
Raising Cane’s (April 11, 2024): The chicken finger favorite chain also rode the Paopao bandwagon. And signing her up to be part of their lineup of high-profile endorsers, adding a young twist to their brand.
HEYDUDE Shoes (April 11, 2024): With their cool yet cozy shoes, HEYDUDE found an ideal partner in Paopao, who embodies their fun and active image.
Marathon (March 19, 2024): Fitness plays a big part in Paopao’s lifestyle, and Marathon, with its active lifestyle brand, partnered with her to speak to their fitness-focused products.
Powerade (March 19, 2024): Sports drink brand that has been a mainstay of athletes’ diets for many years was an ideal choice for Paopao, whose athletic prowess makes her the perfect spokesperson.
These big-name deals are not a list of brands alone—but symbolize the enhanced influence and bargaining power that female athletes possess today in the world of NIL.
Though exact profits from each one are private, experts consider the overall NIL earning potential for Paopao at anywhere between $500,000 and $1 million each year as a highly marketable woman’s collegiate athlete at the moment.
Te-Hina Paopao’s Net Worth
Aside from NIL contracts, Paopao’s financial position is also supported by her on-court success. Paopao has been nothing but phenomenal since joining South Carolina, becoming one of the best guards in women’s college hoops in a matter of time.
With her quick shooting, solid defense, and playmaking skills, she’s been instrumental in making the Gamecocks a national power.
In the 2024 season, Paopao produced several noteworthy performances, such as 25 points and 7 assists in a match against Tennessee, which ensured that the Gamecocks earned a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. Such performances have not only earned her the love of fans but have also drawn her attention from high-profile brands.
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Along with her solo performances, Paopao has assisted South Carolina in achieving remarkable team feats, such as a possible Final Four appearance and several regular-season SEC championships. Her on-court and off-court leadership has earned the respect of coaches and peers, adding to her growing profile in the sport.
All these aspects—her NIL agreements, basketball achievements, and increasing personal brand—are responsible for her estimated net worth, which stands to be around $1 million to $2 million by 2025. It’s a figure that’ll continue to rise as she becomes more prominent within the sport and keeps landing endorsement agreements.
As the world of NIL keeps changing, players such as Paopao are breaking the way for future generations of college players to monetize their skills and create personal brands. What’s even more intriguing about Paopao’s journey is that she’s just starting out.
As she takes South Carolina to even more wins and beats up on big teams, there’s little doubt that her basketball legacy as well as her bank account will keep expanding.
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