Chad Baker-Mazara, a key contributor to Auburn’s 2024-25 Final Four run, has officially found a new home after entering the transfer portal earlier this spring. The talented guard, who averaged 12.3 points per game last season, made headlines with his bold move — and the subsequent NIL drama that followed.
After spending a few days in the portal, Baker-Mazara committed to USC on Monday, leaving Auburn behind for a fresh start in Los Angeles. But it wasn’t just a typical transfer; the decision came after significant negotiations over his NIL demands, which were reportedly met and exceeded by his new team.
The saga surrounding his departure began when Baker-Mazara, anticipating a final season at Auburn as a super senior, was offered a $1 million NIL deal by the Tigers. However, tensions flared when the program paid incoming transfer Keyshawn Hall a whopping $2.2 million to join the roster, sparking Baker-Mazara to request a pay raise. Auburn responded with a higher offer, but it still didn’t meet his demands, ultimately pushing him to enter the transfer portal.
This created a potential breach of contract, as Baker-Mazara was bound by terms that required him to pay back over $600,000 should he leave Auburn for a new team. With his decision to commit to USC, it seems that the guard is ready to honor those financial obligations, and USC’s NIL package will help cover the cost.
Baker-Mazara’s move to USC marks the end of a week-long drama that saw one of college basketball’s most talked-about transfers navigate the complexities of NIL deals, contracts, and competitive offers. His departure from Auburn, combined with USC’s willingness to go above and beyond in meeting his financial expectations, shines a light on the increasingly influential role that NIL plays in player movement across college sports.
As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve with the rise of NIL, Baker-Mazara’s saga is a prime example of how the financial dynamics of college athletics are shifting. For USC, securing a player of his caliber will undoubtedly bolster their roster, while Auburn is left to reflect on how its NIL strategies may impact future recruitment and team cohesion.
This chapter of Chad Baker-Mazara’s career may be closing in Auburn, but it’s only just beginning in Southern California, where he’ll look to make an impact on and off the court.