Purdue Boilermakers forward Raleigh Burgess has made headlines once again—this time off the court—as he finalized a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal reportedly worth $4.5 million over multiple years. The partnership, secured with trading card giant Panini America, not only underscores Burgess’s growing profile as one of the most marketable young stars in college basketball but also signals how NIL opportunities are reshaping the modern collegiate athletic landscape.
According to sources close to the agreement, Burgess’s deal includes exclusive trading cards, limited-edition autographed memorabilia, and fan engagement experiences through Panini’s popular digital collectibles platform. This marks one of the largest NIL agreements for a Purdue athlete to date and places Burgess among the top earners in the Big Ten Conference. For Purdue, it’s another sign of how its basketball program continues to attract and retain elite talent amid rising competition in the NIL-driven era.
What makes Burgess’s deal stand out even more is his decision to give back. Reports confirm that the 6-foot-9 forward has pledged 15% of his NIL earnings directly to the Purdue basketball program, earmarked for facility upgrades, player development initiatives, and team support staff. This donation highlights Burgess’s commitment to strengthening the very program that helped propel him into the spotlight, a gesture that has already earned him admiration from fans, teammates, and alumni alike.
On the court, Burgess has been a steady contributor, known for his versatility, defensive presence, and hustle plays that often don’t show up in the box score. But this new development proves his influence extends far beyond the hardwood. By merging personal success with philanthropy, Burgess is setting a precedent for how college athletes can leverage NIL deals responsibly while still reinforcing the values of teamwork and community.
The Panini America partnership also represents a strategic move for both sides. For Panini, aligning with a rising college star like Burgess ensures strong fan engagement in the Midwest and among Purdue’s passionate alumni base. For Burgess, it means expanded visibility and financial stability as he continues his career, whether that leads to a future in the NBA or a lasting presence in professional basketball elsewhere.
As NIL continues to transform college athletics, deals like Raleigh Burgess’s illustrate the enormous opportunities—and responsibilities—that come with newfound earning power. Purdue fans can celebrate not only the financial milestone their star forward has achieved but also his commitment to reinvesting in the Black and Gold. With a multimillion-dollar contract, a major memorabilia partnership, and a pledge to uplift his program, Burgess is cementing his legacy both as a player and as a role model in the evolving era of college sports.
