Adidas Sets a New Future for Women’s Basketball by Signing Rising Star Kaleena Smith as First NIL High School Athlete – Essence

The game has just modified for young women in sports.

adidas Basketball is investing its money – and its name – in the event of young Black female athletes, making a mark first-ever highschool partnership NIL (name, image and likeness) with sophomore sensation Kaleena Smith.

The announcement is a strong statement under the leadership of WNBA legend Candace Parker, who serves as president of adidas Women’s Basketball. “When I started in my role, I wanted to take an innovative approach to the way we connect with the best players in the game and support them in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field,” Parker shared within the announcement.

Smith’s resume speaks volumes about why she was chosen to participate on this groundbreaking opportunity. As a top prospect within the 2027 class, she is already making a splash within the basketball world. The Ontario Christian High School standout was named the 2023-2024 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year, demonstrating her exceptional talent early in her highschool profession.

But it isn’t nearly her performance on the court. As one among only two freshman captains on Overtime Select last season, Smith demonstrated leadership beyond her years, leading her team in points, assists and steals all of the technique to the championship game. She also earned a coveted spot on the 2024 U.S. Women’s Under-17 National Team, further cementing her status as one among basketball’s most promising young talents.

Since NIL offerings became available to student-athletes, these lucrative partnerships have been largely dominated by college and skilled athletes. adidas Basketball intends to finish by highlighting the abilities of young women. This partnership is greater than just a brand play; it’s a commitment to level the playing field early in the sport and position young women, especially Black women, for a future where they’re celebrated on and off the sector.

Smith joins a formidable list of adidas women’s basketball partners, including WNBA stars Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston and Nneka Ogwumike, amongst others. This sisterhood of remarkable athletes represents the brand’s commitment to supporting women’s basketball at every level.

“I’m blessed to be a part of something Candace is creating,” Smith stated, confirming the importance of the moment. Her excitement concerning the collaboration, including the chance to wear Harden sneakers this season, reflects the real enthusiasm of a young athlete able to make her mark in the game.

In a landscape where Black female athletes proceed to struggle for visibility and opportunity, this move by Adidas stands out. The sportswear giant’s decision to support a young Black female athlete reflects its commitment to equality and representation, showing that it is time for young women to profit from the identical highlight often reserved for their male counterparts.

Parker’s vision for the longer term of ladies’s basketball is evident on this strategic move. “When I think about the future of women’s basketball, it is clear that it is in good hands thanks to basketball players like Kaleena,” she said, emphasizing the mixture of excellence on the court and dedication off the court.