Davion Mintz partners with Reebok, first UK MBB player with shoe deal

Davion Mintz has become the first Kentucky men’s basketball player to reach an agreement with a shoe company during the name, image and likeness era of college athletics.

While we’ve seen other players partner with smaller brands and companies – Dontaie Allen signed an apparel deal with The Players Trunk, while Kellan Grady partnered with iSlide for exclusive UK sandals, among others – Mintz announced a partnership with Reebok on Friday to become the first to UK player with a major shoe company agreement.

The partnership is expected to be an off-court deal, as NIL rules state players are not allowed to sign competing on-court apparel deals with rival companies. With Kentucky being a Nike school, Mintz’s partnership must be limited to time away from basketball.

Earlier today, UK head coach John Calipari discussed his team’s handling of the NIL era and added that players are achieving “significant numbers” in revenue since restrictions were lifted this summer.

“Really proud of our team. They have come together, improved their skills and grown to know and really respect each other. The summer has been a home run for our program,” Calipari said. “They’ve also taken on NIL, but haven’t just done great deals as individuals. They’re also doing things collectively, coming together to make sure that all players benefit. They’ve used the (Kentucky men’s basketball) brand and have achieved significant numbers in a short amount of time.

“But, they all know that their brand and value will ultimately be decided between the white lines! That has always been the case here and it’s why our players have earned $3 billion in NBA contracts. The brand will always be WINNING!”

But, they all know that their brand and value will ultimately be decided between the white lines! That has always been the case here and it’s why our players have earned $3 billion in NBA contracts. The brand will always be WINNING!

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 23, 2021

One thing we know for sure: money opportunities will not be limited in Lexington moving forward.