Aliyah Boston, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft, has signed a multiyear footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Adidas, a month after her selection by the Indiana Fever. Boston joins a prominent group of WNBA players, including Candace Parker, Chelsea Gray, Nneka Ogwumike, and Chiney Ogwumike, as a featured face of the Adidas Basketball brand in the league.
Expressing her excitement, Boston emphasized Adidas’ commitment to empowering women and growing women’s sports. She believes that the partnership will contribute to the game’s development.
Eric Wise, Adidas Basketball’s global general manager, remarked “We are beyond excited to welcome Aliyah to our adidas Basketball family. She exudes strength, resilience, versatility and natural skill that is unmatched. I know she’ll leave a lasting impact on the future of the game and we are proud to be a part of this moment and support her on her journey to greatness.”
To kick off the collaboration, the reigning NCAA Defensive Player of the Year took part in Adidas’ interview series titled “Remember The Why”. During the interview, she discussed her introduction to basketball in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and reflected on her journey in the sport. Being selected first in the WNBA draft was a life changing moment for her, something she had dreamed about for years.
A 3x 1st team All-American selection at South Carolina, the former Gamecock has long been projected as an impact player at the professional level. Four Lisa Leslie Awards later, and there was little doubt on draft night that hers would be the first name called.
The signing with Adidas comes as a slight surprise as Boston had previously been associated with Under Armour during her time at the University of South Carolina. In April 2022, she became the first female basketball player to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Adidas’ rival. Boston was prominently featured in the company’s “Protect This House” ad campaign, alongside NBA icon Stephen Curry, and WNBA star Kelsey Plum. She had also signed a women’s basketball camp partnership with Under Armour in her hometown of St. Thomas.
Despite her previous agreement with the athletic apparel giant, the deal did not automatically extend to her professional career. Boston’s representatives at WME Basketball negotiated with multiple brands for a potential shoe deal as she entered her rookie season in the WNBA.
Ultimately, Adidas presented the most lucrative multiyear package and the opportunity for Boston to be showcased as a next-generation star. She is expected to wear the Adidas Exhibit Select model, the same series of sneaker as Candace Parker wore at the beginning of her career.
With this partnership, Aliyah Boston joins the ranks of talented female athletes who are breaking barriers and securing endorsement deals, showcasing the growing recognition and support for women’s sports.
Boston’s WNBA debut is scheduled for May 19th, when the Indiana Fever face the Connecticut Sun on the league’s opening day.
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