Payton Verhulst’s 2025 Net Worth — Her Oklahoma SG Paycheck and Shoe Habit Will Make You Do a Double Take!
You know her name because you’ve seen her impact. Payton Verhulst has turned into one of the most complete guards in college basketball. She delivers scoring, rebounding, and playmaking every night for the Oklahoma Sooners.
She averaged 14.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in the 2024-25 season. She started every game and led in multiple statistical categories.
Her knack for filling the box score makes her a rare player who really influences the game in every phase.
You’ve watched her hit clutch shots, control the pace, and defend with real discipline. From notching a triple-double against a ranked Duke team to dropping 38 points on Missouri, she’s shown she can completely take over when it matters most.
Her style at shooting guard blends efficient perimeter scoring with the vision of a point guard. Oklahoma gets a versatile weapon every night.
Her path here? Definitely not linear. She went from a promising freshman at Louisville to a Big 12 and SEC standout in Norman. Her success with USA Basketball helped shape her competitive edge.
Along the way, her high school dominance, NIL presence, and off-court influence built a profile that’s way bigger than just stats.
Payton Verhulst’s Oklahoma Sooners Career
Table of Contents
You watched Payton Verhulst jump from the Big 12 to the SEC and instantly produce at a high level in both leagues. Her time in Norman brought consistent scoring, strong all-around play, and big games under pressure against ranked teams.
2024-25 Season Highlights
In her senior year, Verhulst landed 2025 Second Team All-SEC honors and a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. She started all 35 games, averaging 14.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
She became one of just two players in Division I to average at least 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in under 30 minutes per game. The other? Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.
On March 2 against Alabama, she scored her 1,000th career point in her 100th career game. She also hit 83 three-pointers, which was the second-most in the SEC that season.
2024-25 Regular Season Stats
| GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | 3PM | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 14.9 | 5.7 | 3.9 | 1.4 | 83 | — |
2023-24 Season Achievements
In her first year with the Sooners, Verhulst picked up 2024 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, landed on the All-Big 12 First Team, and got a WBCA All-America nod. She started all 32 games, putting up 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists a night.
She led Oklahoma with four double-doubles and ranked second in the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio during league play at 2.2. Her balanced production made her the only Division I player to post at least 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in under 30 minutes per game.
Verhulst made an immediate impact, guiding the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament and providing steady scoring and playmaking in conference play.
Notable Games and Triple-Doubles
Remember that Nov. 27, 2024 game against No. 13 Duke? Verhulst went off for 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, notching just the fourth triple-double in Oklahoma women’s basketball history. Only Caitlin Clark matched her with a 25-point triple-double against a ranked opponent.
Her Jan. 16, 2025 night against Missouri was wild—she poured in a career-high 38 points with six made threes, good for the fifth-highest single-game scoring mark in program history.
In the 2024 Big 12 season, she scored 32 points on 80% shooting against Oral Roberts, while adding six assists, three blocks, and two steals. That’s a stat line nobody else matched in at least 25 years of Division I women’s basketball. You can check out more on her career at the Oklahoma Sooners athletics site.
Shooting Guard Skills and Playing Style
Payton Verhulst’s game as a shooting guard mixes size, skill, and awareness. You see it in how she scores from different spots, defends multiple positions, and steps up in big moments. Her 6-foot-1 frame gives her real advantages on both ends.
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Offensive Versatility
You can count on Verhulst to score in a bunch of ways. She attacks off the dribble, moves without the ball, and spots up from deep. Her footwork helps her create space, and her balance lets her finish through contact.
She thrives in pick-and-rolls. You’ll catch her reading the defense, making the right pass, or pulling up for a jumper. That decision-making keeps defenses honest.
Passing is another big strength. She averaged 4.0 assists per game in 2024-25, finding cutters and open shooters. She keeps mistakes down, with about 2.1 turnovers per game, which helps the offense stay efficient.
| 2024-25 Key Offensive Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 14.9 |
| Assists per game | 4.0 |
| Turnovers per game | 2.1 |
| FG% | 44% |
Defensive Impact
On defense, her length and anticipation stand out. At 6-1, she contests shots against guards and small forwards. Her quickness lets her stay in front of faster players.
She reads passing lanes well, often turning deflections into fast-break points. With 1.2 steals per game, she forces mistakes without taking wild risks.
Verhulst also helps as a team defender. She rotates on time, closes out under control, and talks on switches. Coaches trust her late in games, when every possession is huge.
Leadership and On-Court Presence
You notice her leadership in how she directs traffic on offense and organizes the defense. She’s always talking, keeping teammates engaged and alert.
Her experience at Louisville and Oklahoma helps her stay calm in tight games. She doesn’t get rattled, whether she’s down three with a minute left or trying to protect a lead.
Verhulst’s approach sets a tone. She competes hard in practice, holds herself accountable, and expects the same from others. That presence, along with her production, makes her a trusted figure in the locker room and on the court.
If you want more on her role with the Sooners, check her Oklahoma player profile.
College Journey: From Louisville to Oklahoma
You really see a player’s growth in how they adapt to new systems and conferences. Payton Verhulst’s path shows steady improvement in production, efficiency, and versatility against top NCAA teams.
Louisville Freshman and Sophomore Years
You first saw Verhulst at Louisville, where she arrived as a five-star prospect from Bishop Miege High School. As a freshman in 2021-22, she made the 2022 ACC All-Freshman Team—her defensive instincts and efficient shooting stood out, even in limited minutes.
She played 31 games as a freshman, averaging 3.8 points in just over 12 minutes per game. Her role was smaller, but she made it count with a 41% field goal rate and reliable perimeter defense.
Her sophomore year, she bumped her scoring to 6.4 points per game in 11 appearances before transferring midyear. Her shooting jumped to 50% from the field, and she rebounded a bit more. Even with a limited schedule, you could see her confidence growing.
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 31 | 3.8 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 41% |
| 2022-23 | 11 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 1.2 | 50% |
Transfer to Oklahoma
When Verhulst entered the transfer portal in December 2022, she wanted a bigger role. She found it at Oklahoma, joining a program with a strong Big 12 presence and a fast-paced offense that fit her game.
At 6-foot-1, she started as a guard but could slide to forward when needed. Her usage rate jumped right away, along with her scoring and assists.
Her first full season with the Sooners in 2023-24 brought 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. The new system let her handle the ball more and take on big late-game moments.
ACC and Big 12 Performances
In the ACC, Verhulst’s role was more specialized. She often guarded top perimeter players and spaced the floor on offense. The competition was deep, and her minutes came in bursts, but she learned to make an impact without dominating the ball.
The Big 12 gave her a new challenge. Defenses played more physically, and the tempo sped up. She adapted with better rebounding and a stronger drive game.
By 2024-25, she averaged 14.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in conference play. That production put her among the most balanced guards in the league and squarely on the 2026 WNBA Draft radar.
USA Basketball and International Success
Payton Verhulst built a strong record in international play, showing she could excel against top competition from around the world. Her performances in youth tournaments helped establish her as one of the most reliable guards in her age group.
FIBA Americas U16 Championship MVP
You watched Verhulst absolutely take over at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, where she grabbed the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. She led the United States in scoring, rebounding, and steals, showing everyone she could impact every part of the game.
Her knack for reading defenses and creating scoring chances really stood out. She made plays in transition and knocked down shots from the perimeter.
In five games, here’s what she averaged:
| Stat | Avg per Game |
|---|---|
| Points | 14.5 |
| Rebounds | 7.8 |
| Assists | 2.5 |
| Steals | 2.0 |
She earned the MVP not just with stats, but with her leadership on the court. In the gold medal game, she set the tone, scoring in big moments and locking down the opponent’s top player.
FIBA U19 World Cup Gold Medal
At the FIBA U19 World Cup, Verhulst shifted into a role where efficiency mattered more than putting up big scoring numbers. She made an impact on both ends, helping the USA win gold against a stacked field.
She played her minutes across a deep roster, but always found ways to contribute. She hit open shots, defended multiple spots, and moved the ball quickly in the half-court.
In the semifinal against Australia, she buried two threes that changed the momentum. Then in the final, she grabbed clutch rebounds in the last minutes, making sure the U.S. kept control.
That title gave her résumé another boost, proving she could adapt her game to a team loaded with elite talent.
USA U16 National Team Experience
Before those bigger moments, Verhulst first put on a USA jersey for the USA U16 National Team. This is where she learned the pace, physicality, and discipline you need in international hoops.
She quickly earned a starting spot, handling the ball under pressure and guarding top scorers. Her versatility let coaches use her as both a shooting guard and a small forward.
The team never lost, winning the FIBA Americas U16 Championship and punching their ticket to the U17 World Cup. That early run gave her confidence and got her ready for tougher competition with USA Basketball.
High School Stardom at Bishop Miege
You watched Payton Verhulst grow from a promising freshman into one of Kansas’ most decorated high school athletes. She put up huge numbers, led her team to wins, and drew national attention well before college.
State Championships and Team Leadership
At Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas, Verhulst led the Stags to two Kansas Class 4A state championships and a runner-up finish. Her senior team went 23-1, which says a lot about her leadership in big games.
She played both ends hard, averaging 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 steals, 3.6 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game as a senior. Those numbers translated into wins, not just empty stats.
| Season | Points | Rebounds | Steals | Assists | Blocks | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 20.0 | 7.5 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 23-1 |
| Career | 15.9 | 6.8 | — | — | — | — |
Even when COVID-19 forced the 2020 state tournament to shut down, Verhulst kept her squad focused and ready. You could see her take charge, set the defensive tone, and create looks for her teammates.
Individual Awards and Honors
Verhulst’s time at Bishop Miege came with a long list of accolades. She was a three-time Eastern Kansas League MVP and a three-time first-team All-State pick. In her senior year, she won Kansas Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
She also took home the USA Today National High School Female Athlete of the Year award, which is rare for a Kansas athlete. That award factored in her multi-sport success, including her Class 4A volleyball player of the year honor.
Her national profile kept rising with nods to the Naismith Trophy All-American list and other player of the year awards. These honors really showed her consistent production and dominance against top-level competition.
McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic
In her last high school season, Verhulst earned a spot as a McDonald’s All-American. That put her among the nation’s best and gave her a shot to play against other elite recruits.
She also made the cut for the Jordan Brand Classic, another big all-star event. These weren’t just ceremonial picks—they confirmed her as a top-10 national recruit.
Her U.S. U-16 National Team performances, where she won gold at the 2019 FIBA Americas Championship and grabbed MVP, only boosted her reputation. By graduation, she’d wrapped up a high school career full of state dominance and national recognition, as seen in the McDonald’s All-American Game.
NIL Deals, Net Worth, and Off-Court Impact
Payton Verhulst has built a strong profile off the court too. Her partnerships, finances, and public image show she gets the modern college sports world and knows how to use it.
NIL Agreements and Endorsements
Verhulst’s first big NIL deal came with 1Oklahoma, a nonprofit collective backing Oklahoma athletes. Barry Switzer helped launch the collective, which signed the entire Sooners women’s basketball team in 2023.
She’s also taken part in teamwide deals. These included partnerships with brands like Powerade and Epsilon Marketing, plus an arrangement with Fowler Auto that gave benefits to every player on the roster.
Her NIL deals center on brands tied to Oklahoma athletics and national sports marketing. These partnerships boost her profile while keeping her close to the fan base and local community.
Notable NIL Partners
| Year | Partner | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1Oklahoma | Collective |
| 2024 | Powerade | Beverage |
| 2025 | Fowler Auto | Automotive |
Estimated Net Worth in 2025
Verhulst hasn’t shared exact numbers from her NIL contracts. Still, based on what similar high-profile women’s basketball players make, her 2025 net worth probably sits in the low-to-mid six figures.
That estimate covers endorsement deals, possible appearance fees, and other NIL income streams. Her status as a senior guard for a major program like Oklahoma only helps her marketability.
NIL earnings make up most of her valuation, but things like performance incentives and postseason exposure also play a part. With steady on-court production and strong brand partnerships, she seems set up for a solid financial future after college.
Community Involvement and Personal Brand
Verhulst builds her off-court presence on accessibility and a sense of professionalism. She gets involved with 1Oklahoma and joins in on projects that bring athletes together with fans and local causes.
She’s pretty active on social media, using it to spotlight team events, NIL partners, and charity work. That kind of outreach boosts her personal brand and shows she’s proud to represent the program.
People know her for reliability and leadership, and she keeps her public image thoughtful and steady. If you’re a fan, it’s easy to notice how she balances her own values with what folks expect from Oklahoma basketball.