Spokane, Washington- In a groundbreaking move, former Gonzaga basketball star John Mateer has inked a historic NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with Northern Quest Casino, located just outside of Spokane. The deal, announced on Friday, marks the first time a professional athlete has signed an endorsement deal with a casino under the new NCAA rules.
Mateer, who recently declared for the NBA Draft after a stellar career at Gonzaga, is set to become the face of Northern Quest Casino’s sports betting division. The deal will not only see Mateer promoting the casino’s sportsbook, but will also include various appearances and promotions both in-person and on social media.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with Northern Quest Casino,” Mateer said in a statement. “I have always been a fan of their sportsbook and I am excited to help promote their brand in the world of sports betting. This is a great opportunity for me to expand my reach and connect with fans in a new and exciting way.”
Northern Quest Casino, which has become a popular destination for sports bettors in the Spokane area, is equally excited about the partnership. “We are thrilled to have John Mateer on board as our newest ambassador,” said Casino CEO Mike Branch. “John is not only an incredibly talented athlete, but he also possesses the charisma and marketability that will make him a great fit for our brand.”
The deal with Mateer comes at a time of significant change in the world of college athletics. In July 2021, the NCAA passed a landmark ruling allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness for the first time. Since then, athletes across the country have been signing endorsement deals with a wide range of companies and brands.
But Mateer’s deal with Northern Quest Casino is the first of its kind, breaking new ground in the world of sports betting sponsorships. The move has drawn praise from sports industry experts, who see it as a sign of the changing landscape of sports marketing.
“This deal represents a new frontier in sports marketing,” said sports marketing expert Emily Johnson. “Casinos have long been a sponsor of professional sports teams and leagues, but this is the first time we have seen a college athlete sign a deal directly with a casino. It will be interesting to see how this partnership plays out and if other athletes follow suit.”
As Mateer prepares for the next chapter of his basketball career, he is looking forward to representing Northern Quest Casino and connecting with fans in a new and innovative way. The partnership between Mateer and Northern Quest Casino is sure to make a splash in the world of sports betting and set a new standard for future sponsorship deals in the industry.
For more information on John Mateer and his partnership with Northern Quest Casino, stay tuned to 247Sports for all the latest updates.