Adidas signs Kaleena Smith, becoming Brandon’s first NIL high school basketball player.
Adidas has signed one of its youngest female athletes to date.
The German sportswear brand announced Thursday the signing of Kaleena Smith as its first high school girls basketball partner to a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement.
Smith is a 16-year-old sophomore from Ontario, California. Highest rated recruit in the class of 2027. Admission notices from nearly 20 universities Programs from the University of Southern California, the University of Louisville, the University of Connecticut, UCLA, Louisiana State University and the University of South Carolina, among others.
The young basketball star is Candace Parker’s first signing since taking over as president of adidas Women’s Basketball in May. Parker is a former WNBA first-round draft pick who played 16 seasons in the WNBA and is a three-time WNBA Champion and seven-time WNBA All-Star.
adidas tapped her Help grow adidas’ women’s basketball business.
Kaleena Smith is Candace Parker’s first signing since joining adidas in May.
“Signing Kaleena as our first high school NIL girls basketball player is a pivotal moment for us as we lead the way in advocating for women’s sports and build a stronger presence in the sport we all love,” Parker said. Multiple opportunities and representation.
Adidas said Smith will represent the brand on the court in addition to playing in all games against Ontario Christian High School for Adidas. American University Association Team. She represents one of the youngest athletes for adidas. The brand signed youngest athleteSoccer star Chloe Ricketts, 15, in March.
“I’m lucky to be a part of what Candace is creating and to do that with a brand like adidas who are taking a different approach to play a role in helping players like me develop this,” Smith said. sport.
The 5-foot-6 point guard is maximum preparation value The national Rookie of the Year, averaging 34.9 points, 6.5 assists and 4.2 steals per game.
Smith said she’s looking forward to wearing James Harden’s Adidas sneakers this season.
While Smith is the first female high school athlete to represent Adidas, the brand has signed deals with a string of women’s basketball players, including Chelsea Gray, Kaalia Cooper, Aaliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Nneka Ogwumike, Betenja Lenny-Hamilton, Lecia Clarendon, Sophia Cunningham, Erica Wheeler, Zia Cook, Alyssa Clark and Ja Nia Barker.
Adidas has been busy in the NIL space lately.
Brand signs Miami quarterback Cam Ward An agreement was reached last month. In August, the signing was announced six Texas Tech athletes As part of Patrick Mahomes’ NIL program with Adidas. The brand also signed 15 female student-athletes NIL transaction in July 2022 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
