As first reported by ESPN’s Nick DePaula, Nike signed five student-athletes to NIL endorsement deals, headlined by Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James; Iowa sharpshooting point guard Caitlin Clark; and D.J. Wagner, son of former pro Dajuan Wagner and grandson of Louisville legend and former NBA player Milt Wagner.
BREAKING: Nike has signed 5 student-athletes to NIL endorsement deals:
• Bronny James, Sierra Canyon guard
• Caitlin Clark, Iowa PG
• DJ Wagner, Top 2023 guard from Camden, NJ
• Haley Jones, Stanford guard
• JuJu Watkins, Sierra Canyon guard pic.twitter.com/RFX1eY1TFv— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) October 10, 2022
Stanford guard Haley Jones and Sierra Canyon guard JuJu Watkins also signed deals with Nike.
“Each athlete is recognized as a player who is paving the way for the next generation on and off the court,” the brand said in a statement. “These athletes push Nike to think about new ways the game can break barriers, bring people together, build community and shape the future.”
Full details of the deals will be released over the coming months. Nike will partner with all the athletes on several community efforts in their hometowns. All five currently play for Nike-sponsored schools.
Bronny, of course ,has been in Nikes practically since he was born. His dad signed an endorsement deal with the swoosh as soon as he announced he was turning pro in 2003, for $90 million. LeBron signed a lifetime deal with Nike in 2015.
Bronny is a 4-star prospect and the No. 45 overall player in the class of 2023, per 247Sports’ composite rankings.
“For as long as I can remember, Nike’s been a part of my family,” Bronny James said in a statement. “Getting a chance to team up with them and continue my family’s legacy both on the court and in the community is wild — it really means a lot to me.”
Nike sent “Welcome To The Family” packs full of sneakers, gear, and other swag.
Nike’s newest signings @HaleyJoness19 & @CaitlinClark22 share their “Welcome To The Family” packs from the brand. pic.twitter.com/OPyFyTeQ9U
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) October 10, 2022
Clark is entering her junior season at Iowa. She has been named Big Ten Player of the Year, a Wooden Award All-American, first team AP All-America. She also holds the distinction of being the only Division I women’s basketball player to lead the nation in points and assists per game in a season, and she is a two-time Dawn Staley Award winner as the nation’s top point guard.
“I grew up watching Nike athletes across all sports play their game. They have inspired me to work hard and make a difference,” Clark said. “I’m humbled to be part of this first Nike Basketball class and passionate about inspiring the next.”
D.J. Wagner is a rising senior who has not yet committed to a school. Louisville and their hated in-state rival the University of Kentucky both have their sights on Wagner.
The 6-foot-3 combo guard plays his high school basketball at Camden High School, where his father starred. Dajuan was recruited and played his college ball at the University of Memphis under then-head coach John Calipari, who is the current head coach at Kentucky.
“I’ve seen the impact this game — and the people who play it — can have on the community, and I’m looking forward to taking it to the next level with Nike in Camden and beyond,” said Wagner.
It will be interesting to see how Nike chooses to market these players in conjunction with their respective social initiatives.
