Bella Hines, a standout in the 2025 women’s basketball recruiting class and an LSU commit, has officially signed an NIL deal with Jordan Brand. The agreement makes her the only active high school basketball player, male or female, to partner with Jordan, marking a significant achievement in her career and NIL's expanding influence in high school sports.
Ranked 30th by ESPN’s HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings, Hines has demonstrated elite potential on the court, attracting attention from several major shoe brands. However, the young athlete chose Jordan Brand, citing her admiration for Michael Jordan in an interview with Forbes. “I’m a big fan of Kobe Bryant, and he always idolized Michael Jordan. So, I feel like Jordan was a no-brainer for me,” Hines shared, highlighting a personal connection that set Jordan apart from other brands vying for her talent.
The multi-faceted deal provides Hines with a cash component, a monthly supply of Jordan gear, and regular deliveries of the latest Jordan footwear. Additionally, expect to see Hines participate in Jordan Brand advertisements and campaigns.
Hines' journey to this moment reflects her dedication to basketball despite challenges. Recognizing her skills early on, Hines’ father, Josh, enlisted a team of content creators to amplify her social media presence. This effort paid off, helping her gain a significant following and putting her on the radar of top sports agents and brands. Now, with over 20,000 Instagram followers, her highlight reels attract thousands of views, a testament to her growing popularity and skill on the court.
As women’s basketball surges, NIL deals for high school players are becoming more feasible. For Hines, the timing couldn’t have been better. “I first thought it was possible when they made NIL legal,” she said, acknowledging the recent boom in women’s basketball sparked by stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. These trailblazers increased excitement for college basketball and set the stage for young athletes like Hines to earn brand partnerships while still in high school.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the Jordan deal aligns with Hines’ long-term goals. Having committed to play under Coach Kim Mulkey at LSU, she aims to make an impact at one of the nation’s top women’s basketball programs. Hines’ admiration for Mulkey and her sense of belonging at LSU underscores her focus on personal and athletic growth. In preparation, she transferred from Eldorado High School to ABC Prep, where she trains rigorously, preparing for the challenges of collegiate-level play and her responsibilities as a Jordan Brand athlete.
The NIL deal with Jordan Brand is just one milestone for Hines. As she approaches the next chapter of her career at LSU, she has no intentions of slowing down. In her pursuit of greatness, Hines embodies the very ethos of Jordan’s “Jumpman” logo: aiming high, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation of athletes poised to make their mark.
Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear 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
