NiJaree Canady Becomes College Softball’s First $1‑Million NIL Athlete

In a landmark moment for collegiate athletics, Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady has become the first-ever college softball player to secure a $1‑million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal, reshaping the financial landscape of women’s sports.

The 22‑year‑old standout, a transfer from Stanford, joined Texas Tech in July 2024 under a $1,050,024 one‑year contract with the school's Matador Club NIL collective. The figure notably included $1 million in direct compensation, $50,000 for living expenses, and an additional $24—a clever nod to Canady's jersey number 24. This historic agreement followed an exceptional sophomore season at Stanford, where she was named USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year after posting a 24–7 record, a minuscule 0.73 ERA, and 337 strikeouts.

Canady’s impact has been just as profound at Texas Tech. This past season, she amassed a 34–7 record with a 0.97 ERA and 317 strikeouts, while also contributing offensively with 11 home runs and a .280/.418/.645 batting line. Her performance helped guide the Red Raiders to their first-ever appearance in the Women's College World Series finals. Moreover, she continued to command attention off the field, recently inking a second seven-figure NIL deal, reportedly worth $1.2 million, which cements her multi-million-dollar valuation .

Her groundbreaking contract reflects a broader shift in women’s collegiate sports, demonstrating that softball athletes – particularly elite talents like Canady – can receive compensation on par with their male counterparts. Supported by high-profile Texas Tech boosters, including NFL star Patrick Mahomes, and scoops in top outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated, her success signals growing recognition and investment in female players.

As NIL regulations evolve, Canady’s achievement marks a historic milestone—and possibly a rare one if revenue-sharing caps limit future deals. Nonetheless, her ascent serves as a compelling blueprint for the financial empowerment of women’s sports.