Duke Guard Jared McCain Inks NIL Deal With Nail Polish Brand Sally Hansen

The 20-year-old—who has a partnership with Champ Sports—is already worth $1.2 million.

March 29, 2024

Basketball player in Duke uniform pointing upwards on the court — Sarah Stier / Getty Images

Jared McCain has landed another NIL deal—this time with beauty brand Sally Hansen, known for its nail products.

The Duke guard revealed the news online. In a TikTok video, as he’s painting his nails with the beauty and nail brand’s Insta Dri polish, he explains why he continued to paint his nails his now-trademark white and blue for the Duke Blue Devils.

“One of the reasons why I kept painting my nails is I had a game after I painted my nails, and I ended up playing really well,” he explained. “I’m not crazy superstitious, but if I thought it looked nice, I thought it helped me play better, and so far it’s worked. So I’ma just keep doing it I guess.”

"I'm sorry if that offends any of you guys," he added, noting it helps keep him from biting his nails.

On Instagram, the brand celebrated the deal, writing, "Everyone go wish our King @jmccain24 good luck tonight! 🏀💅

This isn’t the 20-year-old’s first NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal. McCain also has a partnership with Champs Sports as a brand ambassador. Bronny James is the only men’s college basketball player who has more NIL deals than McCain, who is valued at $1.2 million.

McCain spoke with Complex about his fondness for painting his nails late last year, sharing that he started doing it during quarantine and “never saw anything wrong with it.” He does get trolled for it, but he doesn’t seem to care.

“I've always been big on just being yourself in any situation possible,” he told Complex. “And never letting somebody tell you what, what you can and can't be. So doing the painted nails is kind of a part of me now. I just kind of do it whether I get to hate or not.”

He continued, “The hate is funny because it's usually grown men most of the time and it's like you're a grown man just hating on a kid. It doesn't affect me at all. I kind of just laugh at it.”