Imagine a world in which every national champion in men's and women's basketball — football, too — celebrated their spoils in ways that earned players money and allowed them to profit on their accomplishments.
You don't have to imagine it after all: that world is here.
Kansas men's basketball is about to set the model for what every national title winner in the three biggest collegiate team sports can and probably will do after every national championship game moving forward. As it was recently reported, Kansas players will soon embark on a statewide "barnstorming" tour of publicity and celebration in light of the Jayhawks' 2022 NCAA Tournament title. Kansas has done things like this in the past, with its outgoing seniors, but this time it's different. This time all players can, and will, profit off their achievements, their names, their images, their likenesses and their legendary local statuses as 2022 national champions.
As they should.
Every player, all 18 on Kansas' roster, is scheduled to be there. Notably, that includes First Team All-American/Final Four Most Outstanding Player Ochai Agbaji, in addition to Final Four hero David McCormack, future NBA Draft pick Christian Braun and potential returning starters DaJuan Harris Jr. and Jalen Wilson.
There's even a website for this celebratory tour, complete with a countdown clock and this message: "Join us for a night of fun filled with silent, live auctions and autograph signings with all 18 players. This is something to celebrate as it has only been seniors at previous barnstorming tours. Don't miss the silent and live auctions that will take place during the event and halftime. You won't want to miss the opportunity to win some of KU special player's memorabilia. Saturday, April 23rd come cheer on your national champions. Rock Chalk!"