ESPN Report: Tennessee Vols Men’s Basketball Star Zakai Zeigler Seals $30 Million Endorsement Deal, Donates $13 Million to Program
Tennessee Volunteers’ standout point guard, Zakai Zeigler, has taken the basketball world by storm once again — this time off the court. According to an ESPN report, Zeigler has signed a groundbreaking $30 million endorsement deal, marking one of the most significant financial milestones for a college athlete in NCAA history.
The deal, which includes partnerships with major athletic apparel brands, performance nutrition companies, and emerging sports tech firms, is being hailed as a landmark in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. Zeigler’s electrifying performances, leadership qualities, and community-first attitude have made him a natural fit for high-profile endorsements. His popularity transcends the court, drawing attention from both sports and business circles across the country.
In a gesture that has left fans and the Tennessee basketball program in awe, Zeigler announced he will donate $13 million of his endorsement earnings back to the university’s basketball program. The donation is expected to fund facility upgrades, player development resources, and scholarships, helping to elevate the Vols to an elite status in college basketball.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the University of Tennessee,” Zeigler said in a press release. “This program believed in me, and now it’s my turn to give back and invest in the future of Vols basketball.”
Zeigler’s selfless act has earned praise nationwide, with fans, analysts, and fellow athletes calling him a role model for the next generation of players. Head Coach Rick Barnes described the moment as “one of the proudest of his coaching career,” applauding Zeigler not just for his contributions on the court, but for his leadership, humility, and vision for the program’s future.
The 2024–25 season already had high expectations with Zeigler at the helm, but this recent news has added a renewed sense of energy and pride among the Vol Nation. As the team prepares for another deep tournament run, Zeigler’s impact will now be felt far beyond the stat sheet.
From a fan favorite to a philanthropic powerhouse, Zakai Zeigler is setting the standard for what it means to be a modern-day college athlete — talented, driven, and committed to lifting others as he climbs.