In a monumental move for the future of women’s basketball, adidas has signed Kaleena Smith, the nation’s highest-rated recruit from the Class of 2027, to a NIL deal. Smith is not only adidas’ first high school women’s basketball athlete to sign a NIL partnership, but she’s also the debut signing under the leadership of 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.”
Smith’s rise has been nothing short of exceptional. Even as a sophomore, she has dominated high school basketball, leading her team in points, assists, and steals at Ontario Christian High School and earning titles like MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. As a 2024 USA Women's U17 National Team member and one of only two freshman captains in Overtime Select, Smith’s talent, leadership, and grit have shone through. Her passion and commitment to challenging herself continue to fuel her success.
“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,” said Smith. “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 help grow the game for players like me. Plus, I’m really excited to get to rock the Harden sneakers this season.”
Under this partnership, adidas will sponsor Smith’s high school team and her AAU team, which will compete on the 3SSB Circuit, directly bringing the brand’s support to the communities where Smith hones her craft. This support further cemented adidas' dedication to developing women’s basketball from the grassroots level up, with Smith poised as an ambassador on and off the court.
Smith joins an impressive adidas roster that includes WNBA stars like Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, and Aliyah Boston, solidifying her place within a dynamic sisterhood of athletes shaping the game. Candace Parker believes Smith’s signing marks an exciting turning point in the sport, saying, “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.”
As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, adidas is pioneering the path forward by partnering with rising talents like Smith. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
