Is Audi Crooks making $1.4 million in NIL? Oklahoma State coach says it’s ‘fake news’

Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt dismissed a viral report claiming star guard Audi Crooks is earning $1.4 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, calling it 'fake news' during a press conference. The claim, amplified by an anonymous X account and Yahoo Sports, suggested Crooks—ranked as the best player in the women’s basketball transfer portal—was making as much as top WNBA stars like A’ja Wilson. Hoyt refused to confirm specifics but flatly rejected the figure, stating, 'That’s not true.' She added that NIL details are private but acknowledged programs must invest to attract elite transfers. Crooks, a two-time All-American and last season’s second-leading scorer, transferred from Iowa State to Oklahoma State after drawing interest from multiple top programs. Her move underscores the growing financial stakes in college athletics, where elite players in the transfer portal often secure lucrative deals. However, unlike professional leagues, NIL earnings remain unregulated and undisclosed, leaving public verification impossible. Hoyt emphasized that Oklahoma State’s transfers—including All-SEC guard Liv McGill—were recruited for reasons beyond money, citing coaching changes at Florida as a key factor in McGill’s decision to join the Cowboys. She acknowledged financial incentives are necessary to compete for top talent but stressed the program’s focus on player development and loyalty. 'All of our kids came here for reasons that are so much bigger than money,' Hoyt said. The dispute over Crooks’ reported earnings reflects broader concerns about transparency in college sports, where NIL deals have become a major recruiting tool. Without a public database, claims like the $1.4 million figure spread unchecked, complicating efforts to distinguish fact from speculation. Hoyt’s denial adds to the debate over how programs balance financial investments with ethical recruitment practices in an evolving athletic landscape.