It is not only young talent that is increasingly being linked to professional teams to practice and play. Sponsorships of younger players are also something that brands are developing in the search for the next superstar.
Adidas has signed Kaleena Smith as an athlete partner, making her Adidas’ first high school women’s basketball NIL player to be sponsored. This is also a first for Candace Parker, President of Adidas women’s basketball.
“When I started in my role, I wanted to take an innovative approach in how we connect with the best players in the game and empower them in their pursuit of excellence on and off the court,” said Parker. “Signing Kaleena as our first high school NIL women’s basketball athlete is a pivotal moment for us.”
In addition to being the top prospect in the Class of 2027, Kaleena is a member of the 2024 USA Women’s U17 National Team.
“I’m blessed to be part of something Candace is creating and to get to do that with a brand like Adidas, which is taking a different approach to playing a role to help grow the game for players like me. Plus, I’m really excited to get to rock the Harden sneakers this season,” said Smith.
Smith will represent the brand on-court during all her games, including those with Ontario Christian High School. This season, Adidas is also sponsoring Smith’s high school and AAU teams that will join the 3SSB Circuit as part of this partnership.
Smith is the first women’s basketball high school NIL athlete, joining a roster of Adidas women’s basketball players, including Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper, among others.
