California Star Becomes First Girls High School Player to Sign NIL Deal with adidas

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (November 15, 2024) – Kaleena Smith, a basketball star from California who is considered the top prospect in the Class of 2027, became the first high school women’s basketball NIL partner of adidas. Smith is the first signing in the tenure of Candace Parker as 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,” Parker said in a release on the adidas website. “Signing Kaleena as our first high school NIL women’s basketball athlete is a pivotal moment for us as we lead in championing women’s sports and building greater access to and representation in the game that we all love.”

Smith is also a member of the 2024 USA Women’s U17 National Team and was named the 2023-2024 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year after her dominant freshman season at Ontario Christian High School in Ontario, California.

As one of only two freshman captains in Overtime Select last season, Smith’s dominance was on display as she led her team in points, assists and steals on its run to the championship game.

“I embrace any opportunity to challenge myself and improve my game, and I believe that’s what has fostered the confidence and skill I have on the court,” Smith said. “I’m blessed to be part of something Candace is creating, and to get to do that with a brand like adidas who is taking a different approach to play 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.”

Smith will represent adidas on the court during all her games, including those with Ontario Christian High School. This season, adidas is also sponsoring her high school team, and Smith’s AAU team 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 partners: Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Nneka Ogwumike, Betnijah Laney, Layshia Clarendon, Sophie Cunningham, Erica Wheeler, Zia Cooke, Alysha Clark, Janiah Barker among others.

“When I think about the future of women’s basketball, it’s clear it’s in good hands with hoopers like Kaleena,” Parker said. “Not only is she a tenacious competitor on the court, she’s also someone who understands what’s required off it and is committed to putting in the work. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome her to the sisterhood of talented women who make up adidas women’s basketball.”