Houston Astros Legend Providing Incredible NIL Deals for Cougar Basketball Players

A Houston are legend is ensuring that the March Madness bound Cougars will have every opportunity to make the most of the moment.

Kade Kistner | Mar 18, 2024

Houston Astros Legend Providing Incredible NIL Deals for Cougar Basketball Players /

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Mattress Mack, whose real name is Jim McIngvale, is an infamous Houston Astros superfan well-known for his preseason $1 million bets on the Astros to win it all and take home the World Series every single season.

He is also well known in the are for his support of the University of Houston and Cougar athletics.

In fact, Mattress Mack has placed a $1 million bet on the Cougars to win the NCAA basketball tournament, one that would pay out over $7.5 million. March Madness indeed.

But while the $1 million bets are flashy and showy while also showing a level of support, Mattress Mack has taken it a step further this year for the Cougars.

According to On3, Mack is dishing out NIL deals to players so that their friends and families can travel to the tournament, something Mack calls “providing additional NIL opportunities” to the eligible players.

Those funds will be coming from the NIL collective LinkingCoogs, which Mack is the owner of as well as Gallery Furniture, a company based out of Houston and has been supportive of Houston athletics, especially since last summer when he made another $1 million pledge.

“Gallery Furniture is honored to be associated with the outstanding Houston Cougars men’s basketball team,” McIngvale said in a statement. “Sending parents and friends to support the great Cougar players is a win-win for players, parents and friends. With the support of family and friends at away games the players feel at home.”

Gallery Furniture is where McIngvale got his now famous moniker from but he is turning that fame and reach into something great for the local community and all of its sport teams.

Published Mar 18, 2024

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.