ASU Men’s Hockey: Three Sun Devils ink NIL deals with Barstool Sports

(Photo: Patricia Vicente/WCSN)

The NCAA announced historic legislation on July 1 that allows student-athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness (NIL).

Days after the rule change, three Arizona State Men’s Hockey players – senior forwards Chris Grando and Johnny Walker and sophomore forward Matthew Kopperud – signed sponsorship deals with Barstool Sports.

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy released a video detailing his plans to roll out a new project called “Barstool Athletics” shortly after the NCAA’s announcement. The new project is tailored toward NCAA athletes and will provide them sponsorship from Barstool Sports in a variety of ways.

As of now, Portnoy has given little insight into what the sponsored athletes will be receiving. He did say, however, that the athletes receive Barstool merchandise along with “maybe a pizza or a free admission to a party.”

Portnoy has been releasing most of his information on social media, where a large majority of student athletes have been looking to profit off of their NIL.

Walker garners the largest social media following of the three Sun Devils with 5,733 followers on Instagram, followed by Kopperud with 3,377 and Grando with 2,457.

Walker has broken many records on the ice while at ASU – the most notable coming in 2018-19, when he led the NCAA in goals scored, a feat no prior Sun Devil had completed. In 2020-21 though, Kopperud displayed his aggressive approach and offensive abilities, where as a freshman he totaled 19 total points, leading ASU’s roster.

Following the NIL announcement, some student athletes have already released information regarding their personal brand, while others have debuted new trademarked logos and websites along with merchandise they will be introducing to the public and putting on sale for the first time. Some companies are reaching out to student athletes offering contracts in exchange for posts on social media.

Other ASU athletes are beginning to hop on the NIL trend as well. ASU Football sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels released a video of his freshly trademarked logo on his social media platforms. Daniels arrived on campus two years ago and since has gained nationwide attention for his electrifying play at quarterback, and earned a nomination for PAC-12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2019-20.

In addition to Daniels, ASU Men’s Basketball senior forward Kimani Lawrence tweeted “My emails and direct messages are open!” in reference to his willingness to ink NIL deals.