In one of the most astonishing developments in basketball history, Purdue University has sensationally agreed a staggering £70 million (approximately $90 million) deal to bring NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton to its men’s basketball program from the Indiana Pacers.
This unprecedented move marks the first-ever crossover of an active NBA star to the NCAA under the newly expanded Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules — and it’s sending shockwaves across the basketball world.
A Groundbreaking Transfer
The 25-year-old point guard, who averaged 20.1 points and 10.8 assists per game last season, will reportedly join the Purdue Boilermakers for the 2025–26 college season. Sources close to the deal suggest Haliburton will also serve as a player-development mentor and NIL ambassador for the university’s athletic department, effectively blending professional influence with collegiate competition.
The deal, brokered through a combination of private sponsorships, NIL collectives, and athletic endorsements, could change the landscape of amateur sports as we know it.
Haliburton Speaks Out
Speaking on his Instagram Live shortly after the news broke, Haliburton said:
“It’s not just about basketball — it’s about reshaping the game. Purdue offered me a vision that goes beyond the NBA. I want to inspire the next generation, and this is how we do it.”
Reactions Across the Sport
The NCAA has yet to release an official statement, but insiders say new NIL reforms — which now allow direct payments for player marketing, education roles, and institutional partnerships — make this move technically legal, though deeply controversial.
Purdue head coach Matt Painter called it a “monumental day” for college basketball, saying:
“Having Tyrese join us is more than a boost to our roster. It’s a statement that college programs can dream big in the NIL era.”
NBA executives, meanwhile, are scrambling to assess what this means for contracts and player movement. The Indiana Pacers, who were reportedly compensated with future marketing rights and first-refusal options on future Purdue athletes, issued a brief statement thanking Haliburton for his “leadership and legacy.”
What’s Next for Purdue?
With Haliburton in the mix, Purdue instantly becomes the heavy favorite for the 2026 NCAA Championship. The Boilermakers, already boasting one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, will now build their offense around one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers.
If this model proves successful, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new era — one where college programs, backed by massive NIL funding, can compete with professional teams for star talent.
