MiLaysia Fulwiley Makes History with Red Bull NIL Deal, Draws Reactions from LSU Teammates and Staff
MiLaysia Fulwiley took to Instagram on Friday to share behind-the-scenes moments from her latest collaboration with Red Bull. The carousel post included shots of her posing confidently, playing in front of the iconic hoop bus, and embracing her new partnership with the global energy brand. The caption simply read:
“Red Bull dump 🪽💫.”
With the post gaining traction, fans flooded the comments section to show love for the rising star. Notably, Flau’jae Johnson’s mother, Kia Brooks, chimed in with:
“Layyyyyyyyyy,”
Meanwhile, LSU freshman Mikaylah Williams and new assistant coach Gary Redus both reacted with emojis.
“🧈,” wrote Williams.
“🧈🧈🧈,” added Redus.
The Red Bull deal marks a milestone for Fulwiley, making her the first NCAA athlete in 2024 to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement with the brand. She now joins a high-profile Red Bull athlete roster that includes volleyball stars Madisen Skinner and Olivia Babcock, football phenoms Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith, track athlete Sam Hurley, and basketball prospects AJ Dybantsa and Dylan Harper, among others.
This endorsement follows Fulwiley’s breakout MVP performance in the 2024 SEC Championship Game. Under the terms of the deal, she will receive financial compensation while also gaining access to Red Bull’s extensive networks in music, fashion, performance training, and adventure sports. She’s also expected to host promotional events, particularly in her home state of South Carolina.
From South Carolina to LSU: Fulwiley’s Big Move
Fulwiley made headlines earlier this offseason by transferring from South Carolina to LSU—an unexpected move that drew speculation and emotion across the college basketball landscape.
Dawn Staley, speaking for the first time about Fulwiley’s departure during a promo event for her new book, reflected on the decision with empathy and grace:
“Surprising? No. I think being in this space, you become to expect the unexpected,” Staley said. “I still have much love for MiLaysia, much love. I want her happy.”
Staley revealed that Fulwiley came to her office to share her decision to transfer before making it official with the NCAA.
“Just be happy. I told her, ‘Don’t look back, I know it’s probably going to be hard to not look back to see you leaving your hometown and all that,’” Staley added. “And I said to her, ‘Don’t look back, you’re always going to be a Gamecock, always going to be welcomed here.’”
Rumors previously circulated suggesting Fulwiley had second thoughts and considered returning to South Carolina, with some attributing her transfer to a desire for a higher NIL valuation. However, Fulwiley has publicly dismissed those claims, insisting that money was not the reason behind her decision to leave.
