UConn Star Edwards Signs NIL Deal with adidas Canada

Huskies' second-leading scorer becomes adidas' first Canadian NIL athlete

Ahead of another excepted deep NCAA Tournament run, No. 10 UConn women's basketball star Aaliyah Edwards adds a new footwear partner to her NIL portfolio. The Kingston, Ontario-native has signed with adidas Canada, becoming the first NIL athlete of the global sports brand's Canadian division.

Although Edwards can't compete in adidas while playing for Nike-sponsored UConn, she can support the three stripes off the court.

Averaging more than 18 points and 9 rebounds on the season, Edwards joins adidas' NIL roster that includes LSU basketball star Hailey Van Lith, Nebraska volleyball All-American Lexi Rodriguez, Washington softball star Kinsey Fiedler and former football duo Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze, among others.

"I couldn't be more excited to join the adidas basketball family," said Edwards. "Through our shared values of elevating women in sport and hosting community initiatives to improve access to sport, this partnership will have a profound impact not only on myself, but also other young athletes just like me."

The adidas Basketball and adidas Women Instagram accounts - with a combined six million followers - announced the Edwards signing in a collab post today.

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A post shared by adidas Basketball (@adidasbasketball)

"We are so proud to welcome Aaliyah to the adidas Canada basketball family," said Kelly Graham, Head of Marketing at adidas Canada. "The athletic achievements Aaliyah has made in her career so far are inspirational, and her passion for basketball and the community surrounding the sport hasn't gone unnoticed. She is a natural leader and positive influence for so many young aspiring athletes and we deeply value her dedication to championing other female athletes within the community."

Edwards and UConn next host Villanova on Wednesday.