Six Panini NIL Programs Set to Dance in 2025 NCAA Tournament

Written by: Kara Gates

March is here, and some of the biggest NIL-backed programs in college basketball are ready to make a mark on the NCAA Tournament. Panini proudly has deals with the men’s and women’s teams of Nebraska, Ohio State, UConn and Texas, giving hoops fans the chance to collect exclusive cards of top players from those powerhouse clubs.

Whether you’re chasing a Paige Bueckers masterpiece or a future NBA star, Panini has you covered. As the teams battle for a championship, now’s the perfect time to grab their cards and add a piece of history to your collection, available now on Panini’s NIL portal.

Between the women’s and men’s brackets, six Panini NIL teams made the dance. Let’s see how each fared this season.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Women’s Basketball

Nebraska showcased resilience throughout the 2024-25 season, navigating a highly competitive Big Ten schedule to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A pivotal moment came with a hard-fought game against Ohio State on Jan. 26, where the Huskers displayed tenacity despite a narrow defeat. This matchup highlighted Nebraska’s ability to compete with top-tier teams, bolstering its confidence as it approached the most important stretch of the campaign. Their consistent performance and strategic play earned them a well-deserved tournament berth. ​

Ohio State Buckeyes Women’s Basketball

The Buckeyes entered 2024-25 with high expectations and delivered accordingly. Their journey was defined by a sensational season-starting streak. The team won each of its first 17 games and built on that momentum. Throughout the season, Ohio State maintained a strong record, demonstrating readiness for the challenges of March. The Buckeyes picked up a No. 4 seed.

UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball

The Huskies, led by the thrilling Bueckers, continued their legacy of excellence during the 2024-25 season. Bueckers, refining her offensive prowess through detailed film sessions with Coach Geno Auriemma, achieved remarkable shooting efficiencies: 53.6 percent from the field, 40.6 percent beyond the arc, and an 89.9 percent free-throw rate. Her balanced scoring, plus a deep supporting cast of stars, set the Huskies up as formidable contenders from the No. 2 seed.

UConn Huskies Men’s Basketball

Coming off back-to-back national championships, the Huskies weren’t quite as elite in 2024-25, earning an eighth seed at this year’s tournament. Under legendary coach Dan Hurley, though, the team always has a chance to make a run, and a deep roster made up of upperclassmen and NBA prospects alike adds to the promise of a Cinderella sprint.