PHOTO: $3.8 million NIL-valued AJ Dybantsa shares a peek at hamper from multibillion-dollar sponsor

AJ Dybantsa, the overall No. 1 player in the Class of 2025, took to Instagram to give a sneak peek of his deal with his multibillion-dollar sponsor. On Jan. 13, Dybantsa posted a picture of a gift hamper from Red Bull on his story.

“@redbullusa 🔥!” the five-star recruit captioned the picture.

AJ Dybantsa via Instagram

Red Bull signed the high school basketball player back in October 2024. He became the first male basketball athlete to be signed under a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal. Currently, his NIL value is estimated to be $3.8 million, according to On3.

This partnership is seen as a significant shift in sports and marketing. Never before have basketball athletes who have not even started college been offered such huge deals.

With the deal, AJ Dybantsa became part of Red Bull's impressive roster, which includes standout athletes like MiLaysia Fulwiley and Jeremiah Smith. His impressive skills and standout performances, along with his huge social media presence and loyal fan following, contributed to the sponsorships he bagged.

“I think it’ll be a great partnership because it’ll be beneficial to both of us with the platform that they have,” Dybantsa said on Swiss Culture’s ‘The Youngins Podcast.' “I think we fit right in with each other, so it’s going to be special.” (0:23-0:31)

The Utah Prep player further explained that he took the deal after much deliberation and emphasized that he wasn’t trying to make fast money:

“What they had to offer was second to none. It was good, has no real wrongs. I’m smart with it. My parents are smart with it: we don’t want to take every deal. But, the smart ones we have to take advantage of.

"If I’m projected where I’m supposed to be and I keep my head down and work, I will get way bigger and better deals. So, I’m not trying to take fast money right now.” (0:48 - 1:25)

AJ Dybantsa shines with stellar performance at Allen Iverson Classic

AJ Dybantsa once again showcased his scoring prowess at the Allen Iverson Classic 2025 Blackout Signature Series in New Jersey. Across two games for Utah Prep, the 6-foot-9 athlete tallied an impressive 72 points.

On Friday, he scored 31 points in a close 78-73 victory over The Patrick School, NJ. On the next day, Dybantsa contributed with 41 points and helped his team to a 97-71 win over Western Reserve Academy. Match after match, AJ Dybantsa keeps proving his worth as a sports star.