The New Era of High School Athletics
January 2025 marks a transformative moment in high school sports as multiple groundbreaking NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals showcase the evolving landscape of amateur athletics. Leaf Trading Cards leads this revolution with several high-profile signings that span basketball, golf, and football.
The Boozer Twins: Making History
Cameron and Cayden Boozer, sons of NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, have signed an exclusive multi-year NIL deal with Leaf Trading Cards, marking the first time twin high school prospects have secured such an agreement. Both Duke commits rank among the nation’s top basketball prospects:
Cameron: #2 ranked player in 2025 class
Cayden: #20 ranked player in 2025 class
“Having my own trading card is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Cameron Boozer shared. The significance extends beyond personal achievement, as the twins join an elite roster including Stephen Curry, Patrick Mahomes, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Kai Trump: Golf’s Rising Star
Adding to Leaf’s impressive portfolio, Kai Trump, granddaughter of former president Donald Trump, secured a notable NIL deal before beginning her collegiate golf career at Miami. With a significant social media presence including:
1.3 million TikTok followers
849,000 Instagram followers
642,700 Twitter followers
633,000 YouTube subscribers
The deal includes exclusive autographed cards priced at $199.99 per pack, featuring ultra-low parallels and rare inscriptions.
Jabari Mack: Setting Football Records
Four-star wide receiver Jabari Mack’s “significant” six-figure deal with Leaf Trading Cards represents the highest-valued NIL agreement for any non-quarterback underclassman. The Destrehan High School junior’s credentials include:
Ranked #12 WR in Rivals250 for 2026
Sub-4.4 40-yard dash time
Strong interest from LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas A&M
The Broader Impact
These deals represent a significant shift in high school athletics, particularly in states like Florida where recent legislation has opened doors for high school athletes to profit from NIL opportunities. The Boozer twins specifically noted their pioneering role, hoping to “inspire other kids to reach for the stars when negotiating their NIL deals.”
Legal and Industry Implications
The surge in high school NIL deals highlights several key developments:
State-by-state variation in NIL regulations
Trading card companies’ expanding influence in amateur sports
The growing intersection of social media influence and athletic achievement
New opportunities for young athletes to monetize their talents
Looking Forward
As more states adapt their regulations and companies like Leaf Trading Cards continue to innovate, the landscape of high school sports will likely see continued evolution. These early deals set important precedents for future athletes while raising questions about the balance between amateur status and commercial opportunity.
The success of these partnerships may influence:
Future state legislation regarding high school NIL deals
Corporate investment in young athletes
The relationship between social media presence and athletic marketability
The development of youth sports business models
via: Rivals / Forbes / On 3 / Leaf Trading Cards
