McNeese Basketball Manager Amir “Aura” Khan Portals to Six-Figure Deals – A Wild NIL March Madness Tale

In a twist that could only happen in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the unpredictable chaos of March Madness, McNeese State University’s student basketball manager Amir “Aura” Khan has made headlines again—this time by reportedly entering the transfer portal. Yes, you read that right: a *manager*, not a player, is hitting the portal, and he’s doing so with a reported $100,000-plus in NIL earnings. It’s a story so absurdly entertaining it feels ripped from a sports comedy script, yet it’s a testament to Khan’s meteoric rise and the shifting landscape of college athletics.

From Boombox to Breakout Star

Khan, a 22-year-old senior from Lake Charles, Louisiana, first burst onto the scene in late February 2025 when a video of him leading the McNeese Cowboys out of the tunnel—boombox slung over his shoulder, rapping Lud Foe’s “In & Out”—went viral. Nicknamed “Aura” for his infectious energy, Khan quickly became a fan favorite as the Cowboys clinched the Southland Conference title and a No. 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament. His pregame hype antics, paired with a self-deprecating bio quip—“If they kept manager stats for rebounding and wiping up wet spots on the court, I’d put up Wilt Chamberlain numbers”—turned him into a social media sensation.

What followed was unprecedented: Khan became the first student manager in college sports history to ink NIL deals. Starting with Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, and Insomnia Cookies, his portfolio ballooned to at least 12 partnerships by March 22, including Topps trading cards, TurboTax, and even Fortnite, where he’s rumored to be a playable character. Reports from CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander peg his earnings “well into the six figures,” with McNeese staffer Reed Vial fielding over 135 calls from brands in just two days during the tournament. Khan’s fame reached such heights that he reportedly had three security officers assigned to him during McNeese’s March Madness run, which ended with a second-round loss to No. 4 Purdue on March 22.

The Transfer Portal Twist

Now, in a move that’s equal parts hilarious and groundbreaking, Khan has reportedly entered the transfer portal—a mechanism typically reserved for athletes seeking new teams. This comes on the heels of McNeese head coach Will Wade’s departure to NC State, announced shortly after the Cowboys’ tournament exit. Khan, who graduates this fall with a sports management degree, told CBS Sports he’s eyeing a graduate assistant role and is “definitely open” to following Wade to Raleigh. If he does, he’d become the first known manager to “transfer” via the portal, adding another layer to his legend.

The idea of a manager portaling is inherently funny—imagine the scouting report: “Great at rebounding drills, elite towel management, unmatched aura.” But it’s also a fascinating glimpse into how NIL has blurred the lines in college sports. Unlike athletes, student managers were never barred by NCAA rules from profiting off their likeness, a loophole Khan exploited with stunning success. His move raises questions: Could this spark a trend of high-profile managers chasing better gigs? Will “manager transfers” become a thing? For now, it’s a one-of-a-kind saga.

Why It’s Actually a Big Deal

Khan’s $100,000-plus in NIL earnings—some estimates suggest it could be closer to $200,000—dwarfs what many mid-major players make, let alone managers who traditionally toil in obscurity. His deals, fueled by his viral charm and McNeese’s 28-7 season, included custom Under Armour jumpsuits, branded boomboxes, and socks with his face worn by cheerleaders and players like Sincere Parker during the Clemson upset. Teammates like guard DJ Richards Jr. praised his unsung work—rebounding, laundry, early mornings—making his sudden fame a feel-good story for the Cowboys.

Yet, the transfer portal twist adds intrigue. Khan’s not just cashing in; he’s leveraging his moment to pivot into coaching, a dream he’s hinted at in interviews. Following Wade, a coach he idolized from his LSU days, makes sense—Wade called him a “phenomenal kid” who’s “quick-witted” and beloved by the team. If Khan lands at NC State, he could parlay his “Aura” into a graduate assistant gig, trading the boombox for a clipboard.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a funny footnote—it’s a snapshot of college basketball’s wild new reality. Khan’s rise from tunnel rapper to six-figure earner mirrors the NIL era’s unpredictability, where a manager can outshine players in fame and fortune. His portal entry, while unconventional, underscores how ambition and opportunity collide in 2025’s sports landscape. And if McNeese’s managers make it to the annual Manager Games at the Final Four—a fan-voted pickup tournament—Khan’s already a lock for MVP buzz.

For now, Amir “Aura” Khan remains March Madness’s most improbable star. Whether he’s vibing in Raleigh or elsewhere, one thing’s clear: this isn’t the last we’ve heard of the boombox-toting pioneer who turned a sideline gig into a national spectacle. What a time to be alive in college hoops!