A girls' high school basketball player signs Adidas' first NIL deal.

• Adidas has locked in 16-year-old basketball star Kaleena Smith.
• Adidas has signed its first high school female basketball player with a signing.
• Since Candace Parker took charge of women's basketball at Adidas, Smith is the first player the brand has signed.

Adidas has signed one of its youngest female athletes yet.

On Thursday, the German sports apparel brand announced the signing of Kaleena Smith as its first high school girl's basketball partner under a name, image and likeness, or NIL, deal.

In Ontario, California, Smith, a 16-year old sophomore, is the top-rated recruit in the class of 2027. She has already received nearly 20 college offers from programs such as the University of Southern California, the University of Louisville, the University of Connecticut, the University of California Los Angeles, Louisiana State University, and the University of South Carolina.

Candace Parker's first signing since becoming president of Adidas women's basketball is a young basketball phenomenon.

Adidas tapped her to help evolve Adidas' women's basketball business.

Parker stated that signing Kaleena as our first high school NIL women's basketball athlete is a crucial step for us in promoting women's sports and increasing access and representation in the game we all cherish.

Adidas has signed 15-year old soccer star Chloe Ricketts, who will represent the brand on the court during all her games with Ontario Christian High School, in addition to her AAU team. Smith, one of Adidas' youngest athletes, will also represent the brand on the court during all her games with Ontario Christian High School.

Smith stated, "I am fortunate to be a part of Candace's creation and to collaborate with Adidas, a brand that is taking a unique approach to contribute to the growth of the game for players like me."

The point guard, who stands at 5 feet 6 inches, was named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year for his impressive performance during the 2020-2021 season. He averaged an impressive 34.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.2 steals per game.

James Harden's Adidas sneakers are eagerly anticipated by Smith for the upcoming season.

Adidas has signed deals with a roster of women basketball players, including Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Nneka Ogwumike, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Layshia Clarendon, Sophie Cunningham, Erica Wheeler, Zia Cooke, Alysha Clark, and Janiah Barker, in addition to Smith being the first girl's high school athlete to represent the brand.

Adidas has been busy in the NIL space recently.

In August, Adidas announced the signing of six Texas Tech athletes as part of Patrick Mahomes' NIL initiative. In July 2022, the brand celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Title IX by signing 15 female student-athletes to NIL deals.