Yeah, I think Walmart is still more likely to pay for the endorsement of a Duke player. They want endorsements with national scope. I mean, what does the endorsement of an Arkansas player get them? More locals going to Walmart?
ETA: phrased that backwards originally. It's the endorsement OF a Duke player. Not Walmart endorsing a Duke player.
It gets the boosters - in this case Waltons - the player they want on their favorite team. This is coming from the traditional booster perspective - not a business perspective. ROI would be measured by wins, not $$$.
I’m not suggesting this will definitely happen. I’m just thinking about how certain programs with big money boosters could skirt pay-for-play rules.