NiJaree Canady, the former standout pitcher for Stanford softball, has committed to Texas Tech after signing a record-breaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal worth over $1 million.
This unprecedented one-year contract, reported by The Athletic, marks a significant milestone in the sport.
The deal, valued at $1,050,024, was facilitated by the Matador Club, a collective supporting Texas Tech athletes. This contract far surpasses the previous highest-known NIL deal for a pitcher, which was $175,000.
Canady’s decision to join Texas Tech comes despite turning down an offer from Stanford that would have made her the highest-paid female athlete in the university’s history, as reported by ESPN’s Eli Lederman.
Confirming her commitment on X, Canady, the reigning Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year, expressed her excitement for the new chapter in her career.
Last season, she posted an impressive 23-7 record in 41 appearances, leading the nation with 337 strikeouts and a 0.73 ERA in 230.2 innings pitched.
Throughout her two seasons at Stanford, Canady maintained a stellar 0.68 ERA with 546 strikeouts in 348.2 innings, guiding the Cardinal to consecutive Women’s College World Series (WCWS) appearances in 2023 and 2024.
Her fast-pitch velocity, clocking around 75 miles per hour, has drawn comparisons to basketball sensation Caitlin Clark, with former Olympic softball player Monica Abbott highlighting Canady’s potential to make a similar impact on the sport.
With two years of college eligibility remaining, Canady aims to lead the Texas Tech Red Raiders to their first-ever WCWS qualification.
Her transfer is part of a broader influx of talent since former Louisiana head coach Gerry Glasco took charge of the program, including the addition of Sun Belt Conference player of the year Mihyia Davis.
