News Flash: Michigan State Spartans Star Marcus Bingham Jr. the 2025 NBA Draft’s projected pick has signed a multi-year shoe deal with New Balance. Foster met with brands this spring in LA to discuss a NIL + NBA shoe deal, and will become a future face of new balance… Read More
In a major development ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, Michigan State Spartans standout Marcus Bingham Jr. has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with New Balance. The agreement marks a significant milestone in Bingham’s transition from college basketball star to projected NBA lottery pick, as he becomes one of the latest athletes to bridge the gap between NIL success and professional stardom.
Bingham, who returned to college basketball as a fifth-year senior, has elevated his game to new heights this season, averaging career-best numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks. Standing at 7 feet tall with a versatile inside-outside game, he has drawn comparisons to elite NBA rim protectors with an emerging offensive arsenal. Scouts have consistently placed him in the top 20 of most mock drafts, with many projecting him to crack the lottery.
Sources close to Bingham revealed that he traveled to Los Angeles this spring to meet with several major athletic brands, exploring options that could seamlessly integrate his current NIL opportunities with long-term professional branding. New Balance, known for its recent push into basketball and its focus on personality-driven athletes, emerged as the most attractive option for the Michigan State star. The deal reportedly includes performance incentives, signature branding opportunities, and a creative role in future campaigns.
New Balance has steadily gained traction in the basketball market by aligning itself with up-and-coming stars like Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, and now Bingham Jr. The brand’s strategy to elevate underrepresented voices and foster long-term partnerships is evident in this new signing. Bingham is expected to play a central role in the company’s future basketball initiatives, including global marketing campaigns and athlete-led design collaborations.
For Bingham, the deal is not just about footwear. “It’s about legacy,” he said in a statement released through his agent. “New Balance gave me the chance to be more than just a player—they gave me a platform to influence culture and help shape the game’s future.” The partnership reinforces how the NIL era has empowered student-athletes to take control of their image and financial future even before stepping onto an NBA court.
