NiJaree Canady signs another 7-figure deal with Texas Tech.
NiJaree Canady Signs Another 7-Figure Deal with Texas Tech, Cementing Her Legacy in College Softball
LUBBOCK, Texas — In a groundbreaking move that’s sending shockwaves through the college athletics world, NiJaree Canady, the dominant pitching sensation and reigning National Player of the Year, has signed another 7-figure Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal to remain at Texas Tech. This marks her second such deal in less than a year, solidifying her status not only as one of the most elite players in NCAA softball history but also as a marketing powerhouse.
Sources close to the program have confirmed that the new deal spans multiple years and includes endorsements, media appearances, exclusive merchandise, and performance-based incentives. Though financial terms have not been officially disclosed, it is widely believed to be worth well over $1 million, making it one of the most lucrative NIL agreements in collegiate softball to date.
Canady, a native of Topeka, Kansas, originally made national headlines with her record-setting freshman season at Stanford, before transferring to Texas Tech in a stunning off-season move last year. Since arriving in Lubbock, she has completely transformed the Red Raiders program, turning it into a national powerhouse seemingly overnight. Her combination of power, control, and poise under pressure has drawn comparisons to legends of the game — and she’s only getting started.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue growing here at Texas Tech,” Canady said in a statement released Friday. “The support from the community, my teammates, and our coaching staff has been unbelievable. This new deal allows me to invest more in my game, give back to the community, and inspire young girls who dream of playing at the next level.”
In addition to her dominance on the field — where she boasts a career ERA under 1.00 and has led the NCAA in strikeouts multiple seasons — Canady has become a face of women’s sports advocacy. She regularly speaks at youth clinics and national sports summits, using her platform to champion equity in athletics.
The deal is also a major win for Texas Tech, which has made aggressive investments in its softball facilities, staff, and athlete development programs. With Canady headlining the roster, the Red Raiders are expected to be legitimate contenders for the Women’s College World Series title in the upcoming season.
Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt praised Canady’s impact: “NiJaree has brought a new level of excellence and visibility to our program. She exemplifies what it means to be a Red Raider — fearless, focused, and fiercely competitive.”
This historic NIL agreement is yet another sign that women’s college sports, especially softball, are entering a new era of visibility and commercial viability. And at the center of it all stands NiJaree Canady — not just a generational athlete, but a trailblazer changing the game on and off the field.
Texas Tech superstar pitcher NiJaree Canady was the first $1 million softball player. She’s also the second.
Canady has signed another seven-figure NIL contract with the Matador Club, the Red Raiders collective, her manager, Derrick Shelby of Prestige Management, told ESPN.
Canady led Texas Tech to the national championship series, with the Red Raiders falling in the decisive Game 3 on Friday night.
Canady has consistently said she intended to stay at Texas Tech, but questions persisted as to whether she would enter the NCAA transfer portal again after another record-setting season to see what her value would be.
By signing another seven-figure contract with Tech, Canady puts those questions to rest. Shelby said that was important so that she and her team could focus on the World Series run.
“Nija Canady is the most electrifying player in softball. She’s box office and she goes out every day and competes,” Shelby told ESPN. “The decision to stay at Tech was not difficult. This program has taken care of her. They have showed how much she is appreciated. The entire staff, her teammates, the school in general have been great. Tonight she is playing for a national championship and she is making history. Everything she wants from this game she can get here at Texas Tech.”
Canady made headlines last season when she transferred from Stanford after leading the Cardinal to two straight World Series appearances and winning the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. Tech made a record-setting offer to pry her away, and she has more than delivered, leading the Red Raiders to the brink of a national championship.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes even attended the Red Raiders 4-3 win in Game 2 of the championship series Thursday night. Mahomes played at Tech from 2014 to 2016 and has developed a strong relationship with Canady since she has been at Tech.
Canady was named a first-team All-American for the third consecutive year this season.
