NIL Deals Keep College Stars in School, Draft Numbers Plummet

On April to 8th, the NBA just dropped some wild numbers, only 71 college players filed

as early entry candidates for the 2026.

Draft.

The lowest count in over two decades, 5 years back, that number hit 363, the all-time high,

but it's been sliding ever since the name, image, and likeness rules.

Kicked in back in July 2021.

NIO deals are keeping top talents on campus, like Florida's Thomas Hale, who's projected

to bank as much next season as his first two NBA years, combined of draft at top 20.

Guys like Yukon's Braylon Mullins and Duke's Patrick Engong-Bah II are staying too, chasing

that guaranteed cash without draft risk.

Expect even fewer entries soon, with withdrawals allowed up to June 13th.

The draft lottery hits Chicago May 10th at 3pm, Eastern on ABC, setting the top pick order.

The full draft goes down June 23rd and 24th at Barclay Center, first round Tuesday at

8pm on ABC and ESPN.

This NIO shift is straight up rewriting the game for young ballers.