Report: Miami’s Isaiah Wong plans to transfer if NIL compensation isn’t increased

Miami star Isaiah Wong intends to transfer if his NIL compensation isn’t increased, according to reports.

Miami men’s basketball guard Isaiah Wong reportedly is considering transferring out of the Hurricanes program if his NIL compensation isn’t increased, according to an ESPN report Thursday evening.

“If Isaiah and his family don’t feel that the NIL number meets their expectations they will be entering the transfer portal tomorrow, while maintaining his eligibility in the NBA draft and going through the draft process,” Wong’s NIL agent Adam Papas of NEXT Sports Agency said.

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Wong was an All-ACC 3rd Team selection this past season, leading Miami to an Elite Eight appearance as a 10-seed. He started in 36 of his 37 appearances during his junior year, averaging 15.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He declared for the NBA Draft earlier this week with the option of returning to school.

The news comes just days after Papas reportedly negotiated an NIL deal worth $800,000 over two years and a vehicle for Kansas State transfer Nijel Pack, who committed to Miami. Billionaire John Ruiz was heavily involved in the funding of the deal, having already played a part in NIL deals involving women’s college basketball stars Haley and Hanna Cavinder, who also transferred to Miami via Fresno State earlier this month.

Ruiz represents LifeWallet, which currently has an NIL contract with Wong, as stated in a quote tweeted below by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

"Isaiah is under contract," billionaire John Ruiz told ESPN. "He has been treated by LifeWallet exceptionally well. If that is what he decides, I wish him well, however, I DO NOT renegotiate! Surprises me because there are so many players that would love to play for the U!" https://t.co/CFI1VeVUZj

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 29, 2022

The uncertainty of the current NIL rules and regulations has created further chaos and confusion as the 2022 men’s basketball transfer portal barrels past 1,500 entries. Now, with NIL compensation seemingly playing a part in where players are committing and transferring, college basketball appears to be rapidly headed into a new era with more questions than answers.

Regardless of where Wong plays basketball this fall, recent developments have brought even more attention to the potential impact NIL may have on the future of college athletics.