Adidas signed Kaleena Smith as an athlete partner and its first high school women’s basketball NIL player.  This is also the 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 as we lead in championing women’s sports and building greater access to and representation in the game that we all love.”

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 and was named the 2023/24 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year after her freshman season at Ontario Christian High School. As one of only two freshman captains in Overtime Select last season, Kaleena led her team in points, assists and steals on the team’s run to the championship game.

Said Smith, “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.”

“When I think about the future of women’s basketball, it’s clear it’s in good hands with hoopers like Kaleena,“ said Parker. “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.”

Smith will represent the brand on-court during all her games, including 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, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Nneka Ogwumike, Betnijah Laney, Layshia Clarendon, Sophie Cunningham, Erica Wheeler, Zia Cooke, Alysha Clark, and Janiah Barker.

Image courtesy Adidas