Kentucky's Otega Oweh Secures Buffalo Wild Wings NIL Deal After Buzzer-Beater

Following his dramatic game-tying shot against Santa Clara, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh has secured a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Buffalo Wild Wings. This agreement directly acknowledges his pivotal play in the NCAA Tournament's thrilling Round of 64.

The Unforgettable Moment

Oweh's incredible 32-foot shot occurred as the buzzer sounded during a high-stakes Friday game in St. Louis, bringing the score to a dramatic 70-70 tie. The sequence saw Santa Clara's Allen Graves hit a three-pointer to briefly put the Broncos ahead 73-70, before Oweh's subsequent heroics forced overtime. Despite an attempted timeout call by Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek, play continued, leading directly to Oweh's memorable shot.

Kentucky ultimately triumphed in the intense matchup, winning 89-84. Oweh was a standout performer, contributing an impressive 35 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to the Wildcats' victory.

A Taste of Partnership

Buffalo Wild Wings, a prominent sponsor of March Madness, has a history of engaging with tournament players through NIL deals. They previously signed VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr., who also sent a game to overtime with a clutch shot. Oweh officially announced his partnership on Instagram, sharing details of his new endorsement.

As part of the agreement, Oweh stated he received an "Ultimate Sampler" from Buffalo Wild Wings. This celebratory feast included King's Hawaiian Cheeseburger Sliders, Mozzarella sticks, Chicken dippers, and Onion rings.

Oweh stated that he was aware of the time remaining when he received the inbound pass and aimed to get the best possible shot, not wanting his team's season to end.

The Expanding World of NIL and March Madness

The NCAA Tournament consistently proves to be a prime period for brands to engage in lucrative NIL deals with college basketball athletes. This increased activity is reflected in recent data from Opendorse, which indicates a significant 92% increase in men's basketball NIL earnings during the tournament period.