NBL: Success of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton could entice other Next Stars to Australia
Stay in the US and play college basketball for free or earn good money in the NBL. LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton have already taken the second option and other Next Stars could follow.
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NBL Next Stars teen sensations LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton are taking home a combined pay packet of approximately $800,000 for this season, opening the door for more US talent to bypass college and play in Australia.
The Daily Telegraph understands Ball and Hampton are earning roughly $400,000 to $500,000 each to play for Illawarra and New Zealand respectively.
The NBA draft hopefuls can also make money from endorsements such as shoe deals, placing them in a strong position financially compared to US college.
The NCAA doesn’t pay its players or allow them to earn extra cash through their personal brands.
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This stance in the US college ranks makes the NBL’s Next Stars program extremely enticing for young high school players.
Instead of playing college basketball for free, players can earn decent money in the NBL through their wage and endorsements.
Hampton has inked a multi-million shoe deal with Chinese company, Li-Ning while multiple companies have been chasing Ball.
The Australian league also provides athletes with the chance to hone their skills competing against seasoned campaigners.
These factors are advantageous for NBA draft bound youngsters like Ball and Hampton.
The NBL are looking to capitalise on the Next Stars program with CEO Jeremy Loeliger confirming he has received interest from a number of keen high school players in the US.
Ball and Hampton’s time in the NBL to date has been a significant success.
Almost 1.9 million people tuned into the pair’s first match-up in Auckland last Thursday via Facebook, making it the most watched NBL game in history.
This record audience surpassed the one million views for Ball’s first game for Illawarra against Brisbane on October 6.
The LaMelo Ball effect has been in full force with fans keen to get to know the younger brother of New Orleans guard Lonzo Ball and the son to his outspoken father, LaVar.
Fans have also flocked to watch Ball and Hampton play, helping the NBL rake in extra dollars.
Perth’s recent home game against Ball’s Hawks attracted 13,550 – the highest attended game between the two teams in NBL history.
Illawarra’s average crowd across seven games is 6,300 – a 38 per cent increase on last season.
A total of 44,213 fans have watched Ball, with an average away crowd of 10,622.
New Zealand’s average crowd for home and away with Hampton on board is 7,262 – a 32 per cent on last season.
Illawarra’s social media accounts have blown up following Ball’s arrival.
The Hawks’ Instagram following has gone from 8,000 to 62,000 – a 675 per cent increase.
The biggest name is former US president Barack Obama – who is following Illawarra on twitter.
Ball and Hampton’s presence has helped the NBL’s Instagram rise from 77,000 to 129,000 – a 67 per cent increase while the league’s reach on an average Facebook post is up 276 per cent.
As a result, the NBL now have more followers on Instagram than the A-League.
The domestic basketball league has never been more popular, which is showing with the NBL’s TV ratings on ESPN up 24 per cent.