Isaiah Wong is considering entering the transfer portal if his name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation isn’t increased, his agent, Adam Papas of NEXT Sports Agency, informed ESPN.
Papas stated, “If Isaiah and his family feel that the NIL compensation falls short of their expectations, they will initiate the transfer portal process while ensuring his eligibility for the NBA draft and continuing with the draft preparations.”
The Miami Hurricanes player had announced his entry into the draft earlier this week.
Papas mentioned, “Isaiah hopes to remain at Miami. He had a remarkable season leading his team to the Elite Eight. Witnessing the NIL benefits incoming Miami basketball players are receiving, he desires his NIL to reflect his leadership of an Elite Eight team.”
According to Florida State law, schools cannot directly participate in NIL agreements, so Wong’s dissatisfaction is primarily directed towards billionaire John Ruiz, heavily involved in NIL ventures. As reported by the Miami Herald, Ruiz has engaged in 111 deals either signed or in progress with Hurricanes athletes to promote his brands, LifeWallet and Cigarette Racing.
Papas stated, “The situation is unique after finalizing Nijel Pack’s deal with Miami. Understanding John Ruiz’s initiatives in the NIL arena and Miami city, we believe Isaiah Wong’s value should match or surpass that of an incoming transfer.”
Ruiz acknowledged being aware of Wong’s concerns regarding his NIL compensation.
Ruiz mentioned, “Isaiah is under contract. He has been treated exceptionally well by LifeWallet. If that is his decision, I wish him the best. However, I do not renegotiate! I cannot disclose the exact amount, but I can say he was treated fairly.”
Wong, a two-time all-ACC player and the second-highest scorer on the Hurricanes team, which made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, averaged 15.3 points per game in the 2021-22 season. He has been named to the All-ACC third team for the past two seasons.
Miami concluded the previous season with a 26-11 record.
