HISTORIC $5 MILLION NIL DEAL: Five-Star Recruit Zion Harmon Jr. Commits to North Carolina, Becomes Face of College Basketball’s New Era
CHAPEL HILL, NC — July 18, 2025
In a groundbreaking moment that is already being hailed as a defining milestone in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era of college athletics, Zion Harmon Jr., the No. 2 ranked prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, has officially committed to the University of North Carolina — and signed a record-setting $5 million NIL deal that is transforming the college basketball landscape.
The 6-foot-6 combo guard out of Oak Hill Academy made the announcement live on ESPN, donning the iconic Carolina blue cap while standing beside his family and representatives from his NIL management team.
> “This is a dream come true,” Harmon Jr. said. “I’ve always admired Carolina — the tradition, the brotherhood, the winning. Now I get to be part of that, while building my brand the right way. It’s bigger than basketball. It’s legacy.”
The deal, negotiated by powerhouse NIL agency NextPlay Sports Group, is a multi-platform agreement that includes:
A national apparel and lifestyle campaign with Jordan Brand, estimated at $2.5 million over 18 months
Exclusive digital content rights with Bleacher Report and House of Highlights
A branded YouTube docuseries titled “Blueprint: Zion Jr.” following his freshman season at UNC
Appearances in UNC-branded NIL community outreach campaigns, focused on youth sports and mentorship
The $5 million valuation instantly makes Harmon Jr. the highest-paid college basketball player in NIL history, surpassing previous records set by Bronny James and DJ Wagner.
UNC Head Coach Hubert Davis, whose recruiting momentum has surged following the addition of 7-foot-9 phenom Elijah N’Dour and the return of legend James Worthy in a senior coaching role, said Harmon Jr. is “the ultimate modern Tar Heel.”
> “Zion brings elite skill, leadership, and a business mindset that reflects where college basketball is headed,” Davis said. “We’re building something special here — and he’s a massive part of that vision.”
On the court, Harmon Jr. is known for his explosive first step, deep shooting range, and a fearless mentality. He averaged 26.8 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in his senior year while leading Oak Hill to a national title and earning McDonald’s All-American honors.
His arrival in Chapel Hill cements UNC’s 2025 class as the greatest in program history, pairing him with N’Dour, five-star wing Marcus Landry, and top-ranked point guard recruit Tavon Ross. Analysts are already labeling the incoming squad as the “Carolina Fab Five.”
Harmon Jr. addressed the potential pressure of his historic NIL deal head-on:
> “The money is great, but my focus is on winning. I want banners, I want rings, and I want to walk out of that Dean Dome knowing I left it all on the court.”
Social media erupted following the announcement, with hashtags like #ZionToCarolina and #5MillionHeel trending within minutes. Former UNC stars including Vince Carter and Coby White welcomed Harmon Jr. in posts, while Jordan Brand released a custom UNC “ZJ1” concept sneaker mock-up online.
With elite talent, a legendary coaching presence, and a brand-new $5 million star, the Tar Heels look ready to dominate a new era — both on the court and off it.
Let me know if you’d like a mock press release, social media quotes, or visual concept ideas tied to the NIL deal!
