South Carolina freshman basketball player Eli Ellis, a bench player on a 14th-place team, has gained significant wealth through his name, image, and likeness (NIL), reportedly able to retire already, according to his father. With over 2.1 million social media followers, he ranks fifth nationally in Division I basketball, leading to lucrative brand deals. Ellis’s rise began in high school with viral performances, and he actively engages fans on social media while running a training academy. Despite his success, he’s focused on continuing his basketball and business endeavors.



