- As the highest-rated recruit from the Class of 2027, Kaleena Smith reflects the best of the next generation of women’s basketball talent
- Kaleena Smith marks the first signing under Candace Parker as President of adidas Women’s Basketball
adidas today announces the signing of Class of 2027 star Kaleena Smith as its first high school women’s basketball NIL partner. As the first signing under the leadership of Candace Parker as President of adidas Women’s Basketball, Kaleena joins a strong sisterhood of NIL and professional athletes united in pushing the women’s game further and leaving it in a better place for the next generation of young hoopers.
“When I started in my role, I wanted to take an innovative approach in how we connect with the best players in the game and empower them in their pursuit of excellence on and off the court,” said Candace Parker, President of adidas Women’s Basketball. “Signing Kaleena as our first high school NIL women’s basketball athlete is a pivotal moment for us as we lead in championing women’s sports and building greater access to and representation in the game that we all love.”
Even as a high school sophomore, Kaleena has proved herself a force to be reckoned with. On top of being the top prospect in the Class of 2027, Kaleena is a member of the 2024 USA Women’s U17 National Team and was named the 2023-2024 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year after her dominant freshman season at Ontario Christian High School. As one of only two freshman captains in Overtime Select last season, Kaleena’s dominance was on display as she led her team in points, assists and steals on their run to the championship game.
“I embrace any opportunity to challenge myself and improve my game, and I believe that’s what has fostered the confidence and skill I have on the court,” said Kaleena Smith. “I’m blessed to be part of something Candace is creating, and to get to do that with a brand like adidas who is taking a different approach to play a role to help grow the game for players like me. Plus, I’m really excited to get to rock the Harden sneakers this season.”
“When I think about the future of women’s basketball, it’s clear it’s in good hands with hoopers like Kaleena,” said Candace Parker, President of adidas Women’s Basketball. “Not only is she a tenacious competitor on the court, she’s also someone who understands what’s required off it and is committed to putting in the work. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome her to the sisterhood of talented women who make up adidas Women’s Basketball.”
Kaleena will represent adidas on the court during all her games, including those with Ontario Christian High School. This season, adidas is also sponsoring her high school team, and Kaleena’s AAU team that will join the 3SSB Circuit as part of this partnership. Kaleena is the first women’s basketball high school NIL athlete, joining a roster of adidas women’s basketball partners: Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Nneka Ogwumike, Betnijah Laney, Layshia Clarendon, Sophie Cunningham, Erica Wheeler, Zia Cooke, Alysha Clark, Janiah Barker among others.
