What happened: SCNEXT and ESPN have signed high school basketball standouts Kaleena Smith and Beckham Black to merchandising deals. Smith is the top-ranked girls player on the SC NEXT 100, while Black is ranked No. 2 on the boys list. This marks the first time the network and its prep platform have partnered with high school athletes for merchandise.

Why it matters: The move signals a major expansion of the NIL landscape, with primary media partners now directly engaging in merchandising with high school prospects. Beckham Black is the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, highlighting the increasing commercial reach of rising basketball families.

What to watch: Expect increased visibility and branded apparel for both Smith and Black as they continue their high school careers under the ESPN umbrella.