Texas Tech player signs landmark $1M NIL deal
When NiJaree Canady stepped off the mound after blanking Arizona in the Big 12 championship game, she wasn't just holding a trophy—she was holding history. The Texas Tech ace didn't just dominate the circle in Oklahoma City; she redefined what's possible for women in college sports.
In early 2025, Canady signed a groundbreaking $1 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with The Matador Club, a content and athlete marketing platform. The deal shattered records, becoming the richest NIL agreement ever for a college softball player. But for Canady, the real win came after the headlines.
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'I feel like it was all worth it, and there's no place I'd rather be right now than with Texas Tech,' Canady said after securing both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles—firsts in program history.
After transferring from Stanford—where she twice led the Cardinal to the Women's College World Series semifinals and earned USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honors—Canady embraced the weight of expectations that came with both her talent and her price tag. And she delivered.
Her 2025 numbers are nothing short of elite: a 26-5 record, NCAA-best 0.81 ERA, and 263 strikeouts over 181 innings. She's also crushing it at the plate, hitting .309 with 8 home runs and 30 RBIs—something she never got the chance to do at Stanford.
Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady© Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
But the pressure was real. 'A whole lot of pressure was put on her,' said her father, Bruce Canady. 'It got to the point where we thought we had had a stalker.'
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Through it all, Canady's faith, family, and fierce competitiveness guided her. She's become more than a star pitcher—she's a trailblazer.
This NIL milestone isn't just about money—it's about momentum. In a sport where athletes have long been undervalued, Canady's deal signals a shift. With her arm and influence, she's proving that softball can command headlines, investment, and respect.
As the Red Raiders head into NCAA Super Regional play, all eyes are on Canady—and not just because of the zeroes in her contract. She's pitching for more than wins. She's pitching for the future of women's sports.
Related: Big Ten coach calls NIL spending 'insanity' — but sees opportunity
Related: NFL QB sends strong message after losing NIL millions
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