Arch Manning signs first NIL deal, donating proceeds to Central Texas children's nonprofits

Arch Manning may be new to Austin, but the Louisiana native is already making a community impact in the Lone Star State.

The five-star incoming Texas Longhorns quarterback has signed his first Name-Image-Likeness deal that benefits a nonprofit hospital system in Central Texas. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller signed a deal with popular trading card and collectibles company Panini. 

Manning, the country's top overall prospect in the class of 2023 and is lauded as a potential generational talent, starred at Isadore Newsman High School in New Orleans.

Proceeds of the first trading card released will go to St. David's Healthcare — one of the biggest health systems in Texas that services some 119 locations across Central Texas — and the St. David's Foundation, which will identify specific charities to be benefitted from the partnership.

The first card — a one-of-one throwback "Prizm Black" autographed trading card — is currently up for auction. As of Tuesday afternoon, the highest of 26 bids submitted was at $60,000. Bidding closes on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Financial details were not immediately disclosed and it's unclear to what extent, if any, Manning is profiting off of the partnership. Panini also signed Dallas-native Tre Johnson, the nation's top basketball recruit in 2024, to an NIL deal in late June.

He's the nephew of NFL greats Eli and Peyton Manning and grandson of Arch Manning, who played 13 season in the NFL in the 1970s and 1980s.

Manning has long been considered one of the country's most marketable up-and-coming athletes in the burgeoning NIL era. The University of Texas reportedly spent roughly $280,000 on Manning during his official visit to the school before his senior year and ecruiting site On3 projects his NIL valuation is at $2.8 million. It was at one point $3.7 million, putting him up with fellow celebrity high school athletes Bronny James and Mikey Williams.

But it's doesn't appear the 18-year-old Manning has significantly capitalized on his projected value. And that's by design.

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian, citing Arch's grandfather Archie Manning, suggested Arch will only take NIL money once he becomes a starter for the Longhorns. 

“The beauty of it for us, his NIL value — whatever it is — his grandpa (Archie) won’t let him take any NIL money,” Sarkisian told The Athletic in April. “He said, ‘You can take money when you become a player and you start.'”