WWE Had Their Eyes On Cavinder Twins Before NIL Program

Hanna and Haley Cavinder recently signed with WWE as a part of the first class of the company’s collegiate NIL program. The pair are already social media moguls, boasting nearly 4 million followers on their TikTok and over 300,000 followers each on Instagram. Due to the new NCAA rules that allow athletes to be paid for their likeness, WWE quickly grabbed them up.

They weren’t the only major company who showed interest in the Cavinders. In addition to their Boost Mobile endorsement that saw them on a Billboard in Times Square, they claim to be on track to earn $250,000 in endorsements alone this year, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

WWE was already looking at the twins before the introduction of the NIL program. The idea within the company was that they could be the next Bella Twins. Hanna and Haley are currently juniors on the Fresno State women’s basketball team.

Despite their success on the hardwood, the twins’ popularity and good looks also played a role in WWE’s interest. With WWE looking towards young, athletic talent to build their future roster of superstars, the Cavinder twins were a perfect fit. Haley was the Mountain West Conference player of the year last year, and Hanna was an all-conference performer in her freshman and sophomore seasons.

The WWE NIL deals range dramatically, depending on how the company perceives their potential. Low-end athletes will get just enough to get by while they’re in college. Higher end stars with huge name recognition can earn more than $100,000 per year, which is likely where the Cavinders fall.

The Cavinder twins have appeared on major national media outlets to pitch products for their existing NIL deals. They were the first of any collegiate athletes to sign NIL deals. They’ve appeared on CNBC and have been profiled by ESPN. They are exactly what the company is looking for.

Do you think Haley and Hanna Cavinder will be future WWE stars? Share your thoughts in the comments.