NCAA: Quinn Ellis signs with St. John’s in a historic multi-million deal

MILAN — The move of Quinn Ellis to St. John’s is now official after a groundbreaking deal that shakes the basketball landscape between Europe and the NCAA. The British guard will head to the United States to play under legendary coach Rick Pitino, in an agreement that reshapes his short-term future while maintaining strong ties with Olimpia Milano.

The deal had been in motion for weeks, involving complex negotiations between the player’s camp and the Italian club. Quinn Ellis had received strong offers from programs such as Duke and Louisville, but the late push from St. John’s — driven directly by Rick Pitino — changed everything. The offer, reportedly worth between $4.5 and $4.8 million for a single season, ultimately proved decisive.

The structure of the agreement is highly unusual. With no clear regulatory framework governing transfers between Europe and the NCAA, the move resembles a temporary loan. Quinn Ellis will finish the European season with Olimpia Milano before traveling to the U.S., where he will play the NCAA season with St. John’s through March Madness. He is then expected to return to Milan around April 2027 for the final stretch of both the Italian league and European competitions.

Beyond the sporting aspect, Quinn Ellis’ move to St. John’s represents a dramatic financial leap. The British guard goes from earning less than $200,000 per season in Milan to securing a multi-million dollar deal in the NCAA, reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of college basketball.

From a basketball standpoint, Quinn Ellis lands in an ideal environment to relaunch his trajectory. After a breakout season in Trento, he declared for the 2024 NBA Draft but went undrafted. He later appeared in the NBA Summer League with the Portland Trail Blazers, logging minutes across three games with limited statistical impact.

Now, in a more prominent role under Rick Pitino, Quinn Ellis will have the opportunity to establish himself as one of the standout players in the NCAA and re-enter the NBA conversation.

This deal sets a new precedent in the relationship between European clubs and NCAA programs, highlighting emerging pathways for young talent development.

Quinn Ellis’ immediate future lies with St. John’s, but his connection to Olimpia Milano remains intact. After his NCAA stint, he is expected to return to the Italian side, with both parties already planning a new two-year contract.