Jalen Lewis Signs With Overtime Elite, Becomes Youngest American Professional in History

Jalen Lewis’s deal with Overtime Elite will make him the youngest professional player in American history.

High school junior Jalen Lewis is signing a contract with the Overtime Elite league, which will make him the youngest professional basketball player in American history, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. 

Lewis, 16, will earn more than $1 million over the course of his multiyear deal, per Charania. 

High school junior Jalen Lewis is signing a $1 million-plus contract with the new Overtime Elite league, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 16-year-old becomes the youngest to ever turn pro in American basketball.https://t.co/uHBWwA3gx4

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 9, 2021

Lewis is the No. 12 player in the class of 2023, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. Duke, Kentucky and UCLA were among the college programs recruiting him.

The Overtime Elite league has added multiple top prospects from the class of 2023, including twins Matt and Ryan Bewley. Matt Bewley is the No. 3 recruit in the class of 2023, and Ryan checks in at No. 20, per the the 247Sports composite.

Former UConn head coach Kevin Ollie will lead the Overtime Elite league's team of top prospects. Lewis and the Bewley brothers will be eligible for the 2024 NBA draft after they complete their time in the Overtime Elite league.