Essence gu™
  • FASHION
    • FASHION NEWS
    • ACCESSORIES
    • FEATURES
    • FASHION WEEK
  • BEAUTY
    • SKIN
    • MAKEUP
    • HAIR
    • NAILS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • GU JAMS
    • FILM
    • TV
    • RADIO
    • BOOKS
    • TECH
    • SPORTS
  • WELLNESS
    • RELATIONSHIPS
    • SEX
    • HEALTH
    • FOOD
    • ASTROLOGY
  • BUSINESS
    • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
    • MONEY
    • CAREERS
    • ADVICE
  • FEEDBACK
    • NEWS
    • IDENTITY
    • ACTIVISM
    • POLITICS
    • LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
  • SHOPPING
    • FASHION
    • BEAUTY
    • TECH
    • LIFESTYLE
  • Videos
  • GU Summit 2024
  • ESSENCE.COM
  • SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Girls United Accessibility Statement
  • FASHION
    • FASHION NEWS
    • ACCESSORIES
    • FEATURES
    • FASHION WEEK
  • BEAUTY
    • SKIN
    • MAKEUP
    • HAIR
    • NAILS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • GU JAMS
    • FILM
    • TV
    • RADIO
    • BOOKS
    • TECH
    • SPORTS
  • WELLNESS
    • RELATIONSHIPS
    • SEX
    • HEALTH
    • FOOD
    • ASTROLOGY
  • BUSINESS
    • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
    • MONEY
    • CAREERS
    • ADVICE
  • FEEDBACK
    • NEWS
    • IDENTITY
    • ACTIVISM
    • POLITICS
    • LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
  • SHOPPING
    • FASHION
    • BEAUTY
    • TECH
    • LIFESTYLE
  • Videos
  • GU Summit 2024
  • ESSENCE.COM
  • SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
Home • Business

Sophomore Recruit Kaleena Smith Partners With Adidas For Groundbreaking NIL Deal

The 16 year old from Ontario Christian High School is one of the top young basketball prospects in the nation.
Sophomore Recruit Kaleena Smith Partners With Adidas For Groundbreaking NIL Deal
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Mia Pauldo, Kate Harpring, Kaleena “Special Kay” Smith and Aaliyah Crump compete in The Overtime Select Championship Game at Overtime Elite Arena on September 15, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)
By Danielle Wright · Updated November 19, 2024

Kaleena Smith, a sophmore from Ontario Christian High School, has made history by becoming the first high school women’s basketball player to sign an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with Adidas. This groundbreaking partnership, brokered under the leadership of WNBA legend Candace Parker, marks a significant milestone in the world of women’s basketball.

At only 16 years old, Smith is a highly-touted recruit in the Class of 2027, and has already garnered attention for her exceptional skills and potential. In the 2023-24 season, she averaged an impressive 34.9 points, 6.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 4.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. These statistics, coupled with her dynamic playmaking ability and clutch performances, have solidified her status as one of the top young basketball prospects in the nation.

By securing this NIL deal, Smith joins a growing number of college athletes who are capitalizing on their name, image, and likeness. This development not only showcases the evolving landscape of college athletics but also highlights the increasing commercial value of young, talented athletes.

As Smith continues to excel on the court, her partnership with Adidas is poised to open up new opportunities and elevate her profile. This historic deal is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the changing dynamics of women’s sports.

Love Island USA Royalty Serena Page and Jana Craig Get Real On Life After The Island

COMPANY
INFORMATION

OUR COMPANY
CONTACT US
JOB OPPORTUNITIES

SUBSCRIBE

NEWSLETTERS
DISCOVER MORE EVENTS
Follow Us

MORE ON
ESSENCE GU™

HOME
RELATIONSHIPS
BEAUTY
HAIR
FASHION
EVENTS

ESSENCE GU™ is part of ESSENCE Ventures

ESSENCE GU™ may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2023 ESSENCE Ventures. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms | Accessibility Statement