Nico Iamaleava appears to be settling comfortably into life in Los Angeles after transferring from Tennessee to UCLA during the offseason. This week, the Bruins’ new quarterback was seen attending an NBA playoff matchup between the Lakers and Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, his family is still dealing with the fallout from his and his brother’s transfers out of the SEC. Arkansas is reportedly demanding a six-figure sum from Nico’s younger brother, Madden.
Both siblings, now on UCLA’s roster, started the spring at SEC schools. Nico had been Tennessee’s starting quarterback for two years, while Madden was preparing for his freshman season at Arkansas.
Nico chose to leave the Volunteers after negotiations over a significant NIL raise fell through—reportedly a $2 million increase. When Tennessee declined, he entered the transfer portal and committed to UCLA. Madden soon followed.
Originally from California, the Iamaleava brothers are now embracing life back on the West Coast. Nico was seen courtside at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves.
Shortly after that appearance, the family received a formal demand from Arkansas.
The Razorbacks are seeking $200,000 from Madden Iamaleava. He had initially committed to UCLA in high school but flipped to Arkansas late and signed in December, which came with a new NIL deal. By entering the transfer portal just four months later, he allegedly breached that contract.
Arkansas’s athletic director hinted at repercussions on social media, affirming the school’s intent to uphold NIL agreements. Many interpreted it as a veiled warning aimed at the Iamaleavas. Demand letters followed soon after.
If the money isn’t returned, Arkansas may pursue legal action. The situation reflects a growing trend across college athletics, as schools increasingly include buyout clauses to safeguard against costly NIL losses.
Auburn, for example, faces a similar dilemma with Chad Baker-Mazara, who left after requesting a raise from his $1 million NIL deal. Now, he could owe the school $600,000.
As NIL payments grow and transfer rules loosen, schools are working to protect themselves and their financial backers. Time will tell how Arkansas’s case with Madden Iamaleava plays out.
