Australian basketball star Ben Madgen urges NIL financial guidance for young athletes

Former Australian national team player and ex‑Sydney Kings captain Ben Madgen, now an investment advisor at Evan's & Partners, says the surge of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) contracts for Australian college basketball players is outpacing the financial support they receive. He warns that many 18‑ to 23‑year‑olds are signing seven‑figure deals without any education on how to manage the wealth over the long term, a gap he wants to close.

Madgen cites the NBA’s history of players going broke after short‑term wealth and notes that almost 190 Australians are expected to compete in NCAA Division I basketball in the 2026‑27 season. He calls for structured financial advice and mentorship to help athletes turn a compressed earning window into lasting financial security. The commentary also includes NBA star Jaylen Brown’s criticism of the player‑agent model, echoing concerns that young athletes are left vulnerable to exploitation.

Madgen hopes his advocacy will prompt the sports ecosystem to provide playbooks not just for on‑court tactics but also for investment strategy, ensuring that rising Australian talent can preserve and grow their earnings beyond their playing careers.