BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa lands 8-figure Fanatics deal, says NBA-ready program won him over

AJ Dybantsa is one of the top young basketball players in the United States. Before ever stepping onto a collegiate basketball court, the 2026 NBA draft prospect has already amassed a fortune. A multi-year contract with Fanatics Collectibles was just signed by him. Before he became a global star, many top colleges wanted him to join their team. However, in the end, he chose BYU, or Brigham Young University. In a recent interview, he admitted, though, that BYU was not his first choice at the beginning. As per Sportico, AJ Dybantsa's deal with Fanatics' memorabilia division is worth eight figures. Fanatics-owned Topps trading cards and other merchandise will be the focal point of the exclusive agreement. It was disclosed in an embargoed media release on Wednesday and will begin immediately.AJ Dybantsa is a remarkable player. Even though he was courted by traditional powerhouses like Duke and North Carolina, he felt a stronger bond with BYU's program. He realized that it could offer him a supportive atmosphere to develop on and off the court, in addition to a competitive NBA-style program.As per Athlon Sports, in a recent interview, AJ Dybantsa talked candidly about the surprising path that ultimately led him to commit to BYU. The school wasn't initially at the top of his list. According to the Utah Prep star, his parents decided to bring him home. This choice ultimately led him to pursue the exceptional opportunities offered by BYU rather than other programs.He then said that he did not know much about BYU or the basketball program. However, things changed when he visited the campus and met the coaches. After weighing his alternatives, AJ Dybantsa revealed that he felt that the BYU coaching staff and Kevin Young's vision aligned with his own. It made the Cougars the only team he could completely commit to.Dybantsa further said that BYU’s training, support, and focus on developing NBA players really impressed him. Now, he is keen to build his own brand outside of the hardwood. His YouTube channel has just started, and he intends to provide content all season long. Additionally, his goal to engage with fans and provide them an intimate glimpse into his one-and-done college experience is reflected in this project. This further illustrates that his goals go well beyond his accomplishments on the court.Also read: Caitlin Clark’s first signature sneaker could be worth nine figures, says expert