Ping signs NIL deal with BYU sophomore Kihei Akina

Most college sophomores would be happy to find spending money and a parking spot near their dorm, but Kihei Akina, who is in the field this week at the PGA Tour's Bank of Utah Championship on a sponsor invitation, has landed an equipment deal with Ping.

Ping announced this week that the 20-year-old BYU golfer has signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement with the company. The timing gives the partnership an immediate stage and deal calls for Akina to play 14 Ping clubs, carry a Ping bag and wear a Ping hat at tournaments and appearances outside his collegiate events.